If you're a Lord Of The Rings fan like me, I'm sure you were also highly anticipating the first installment of The Hobbit films, another film adaptation from J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels. I was concerned about them filling three films with the story from one novel, but after seeing the first film it is clear that there is enough narrative,and that all the films will be entertaining. I definitely think it's going to be an excellent trilogy, however I'm not sure it will be able to beat the amazing LOTR films.
The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins' journey to The Lonely Mountain with Gandalf and a group of Dwarves, to reclaim the mountain for the Dwarves' home, and win a share of the treasure which is guarded by a dragon, Smaug.
The beginning scenes of the film tie it nicely together with the LOTR trilogy, for viewers who aren't aware that this story occurs before LOTR. However, when the story actually begins, e.g. when Gandalf comes to Bilbo and asks him to come on the adventure, this section seems to drag on and on. Whilst it's entertaining watching the Dwarves in Bilbo's hole, I found myself wondering when the action would begin.
When the action actually did start the film is brilliant, the special effects are just as flawless as as the LOTR trilogy, and the detail of the costumes and sets is immense. The chase scene in the Visually, its an exceptional film. And the actors are all talented, Ian McKellan is as brilliant as ever as Gandalf. Also one of my favorite characters was Sylvester McCoy as Radagast, the Brown Wizard, his quirkiness provides some essential comic relief to film.
It was nice to see some familiar faces e.g. Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Christopher Lee as Saruman, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Hugo Weaving as Elrond. I was worried they would not get the same actors back for these roles, and I was pleased to see that they did, as it allows more continuity between to two trilogies. I was excited that they included a cameo of Elijah Woods as Frodo Baggins at the beginning of the film, I think it was an essential touch considering that there is probably many viewers who haven't read the books.
The ending of the film is in an appropriate point, I'd heard before I went to see it that it was a frustrating ending but I don't think it was, I didn't leave the cinema frustrated, merely excited to see the next installment.
I'd definitely recommend watching this film you fancy a fantasy film thats complex enough to keep you interested and entertained, but easy to watch at the same time! The balance of light-hearted moments, dark moments, and fighting is just as good in this film as it is in LOTR. However, I do think that LOTR is better because the narrative is far more complex and there are more layers to the story than in the Hobbit (I also think the LOTR books are better than The Hobbit book).
If you enjoy this film I recommend: The LOTR Trilogy (obviously), Eragon (2006), and The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
