The Hobbit Movie Review, by Leia Shaw

This weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing The Hobbit, an Unexpected Journey. And since I always write reviews – usually snarky, nonsensical ones – when I see a new movie, that’s what I have for you today (even though I think Peter Jackson can do no wrong and The Hobbit is a no-brainer).

 

Now I should warn you. I’m a bit of a geek – not as much as my husband, who made me take his picture standing next to the hobbit door and Gandalf cardboard cut-out in the theater lobby – but a LOTR fan, Tolkien-lover in my own right. So this review isn’t exactly unbiased.

The Hobbit starts before Frodo’s big adventure, on the day of Bilbo’s party so we can a small appearance of Elijah Wood and Ian Holm. Then it flashes back to Bilbo’s youth, when a wizard shows up on his doorstep talking adventure and burglary. The beginning follows the book I remember reading a long time ago then it strays a bit toward the middle. But I didn’t mind because I was too busy enjoying myself on this exciting ride.

Thorin Oakenshield is the Dwarf prince trying to win back his kingdom from Smog, the gold-obsessed dragon who took it. He’s assembled a motley crew of twelve dwarves to take back what’s theirs. With the help of Gandalf, they recruit Bilbo, their burglar. On the way, they run into trolls, goblins, Orcs, just about every bad guy you can imagine. We get to visit Rivendell before the whole fellowship of the ring thing happened. Elron, Galadriel, and Saromon, all whispering about a dark force, a necromancer that could bring an end to mankind. It was very…gratifying for a geek like me.

Some reviewers are giving it low scores because it seems to be confused about whether it’s a kids movie or an adult movie. But the book is the same way. It’s meant for a younger audience but with a somewhat heavy theme and some scary elements. So, yes, the dwarves sing a merry tune while cleaning up the kitchen but the Orcs also ruthlessly decapitate their victims. For me, this dichotomy worked. I liked it. But I can see how other adults might find it silly or annoying. And it’s definitely not for young children.

Let’s talk about cinematography (how’s that for a professional-sounding movie review word?). I saw The Hobbit in 3D. Usually I’m not a fan. I get motion sick easily and the glasses give me a headache, but I am

soooo glad I did. The scenery,  the grand panoramic shots from the helicopters…it was so worth it. Beautiful! The only downfall was the action scenes got a little confusing. It was like my brain couldn’t keep up with what my eyes were seeing. Maybe it’s just my brain. I don’t know.

I didn’t do the HFR version because I get vertigo easily and I can just see me stumbling from the theater with a full-blown attack, unable to drive myself home. From what I’ve heard, if you’re a technology geek, like my husband, you’d probably like it just because of what it is. But for a normal person wanting to enjoy a movie experience, you might want to skip it. I say go with the 3D at least. You’ll see what I mean when they shoot in Rivendell.

Anyway, I loved the whole thing. I rarely want to see movies twice in the theater, but I’d pay $20 plus popcorn and soda and Raisinets (cause, you know, they’re healthy), to see this again.

 

yes, dwarves CAN be hot

 

 

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