The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

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I was ridin' nerdy this past weekend, since I was finally able to view the first installment in Peter Jackson's trilogy of Hobbit films.  I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan (though not so huge that I speak elvish or know every single reference out there), and I was eagerly anticipating this movie.  I really love Martin Freeman as an actor, so I was thrilled to see him playing Bilbo Baggins!

There were a lot of mixed reviews out there for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  I mean, could this movie really live up to the epic hype of the LOTR trilogy?

Well, that Shire instrumental theme still gives me chills and warms my heart.  While the movie moves a bit slowly, and it feels like there are more silly moments of humor, The Hobbit is a lighter book than LOTR.  It kind of fits.

That said, I don't see how Jackson is stretching this little book into a trilogy.  Gollum is a huge star of the book to me, and I don't think we'll see him beyond this film.

But then again, I think they should have made SIX Lord of the Rings movies (one for each actual book, since each "book" was really two books)...  and then maybe two Hobbit movies.  And I think The Hobbit feels a little weaker because it was made post-LOTR, and its premise seems less important because they're fighting a dragon for a kingdom vs. the ultimate evil for their entire existence.  It's a matter of scale.

And on a final note, I did NOT see this movie in 3D.  In fact, I avoid 3D technology altogether.  I dislike the gimmicks, the loss of color quality, and that you don't focus on the gorgeous cinematography because you mainly notice what bulges out at you.  Blech.  I think these films would have done just as well without the 3D factor.

If you liked LOTR, go see this movie.  It's lighter and more of a romp, and definitely in less of a hurry to get to where it's going... but it has the same spirit.

P.S.  The new Star Trek preview was my favorite before the movie.  So excited, especially since Benedict Cumberbatch is joining in!