The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Gollum in Mexico Ciity Wax Museum A Movie Review
by Gwen Knechtel 

Director Peter Jackson has one again breathed life into Middle Earth - a place where hobbits, dwarves, elves, orcs and dragons dwell.

His latest movie, crafted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s popular children’s tale, The Hobbit, is filled with colorful characters, superior special effects, creative costumes and marvelous music. For those not familiar with Tolkien’s work - welcome to a whole new world!

Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins with an endearing awkwardness and courage. The hobbit’s bewilderment on being pulled into an unexpected journey with thirteen dwarves who plan to reclaim their lost Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug makes for great fun and frightening situations. One of my favorite scenes is the fateful moment Bilbo finds a ring lost by Gollum (brilliantly played by Andy Serkis) which will figure prominently in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

From the moment wizard Gandalf the Grey (the stellar Ian McKellen) meets Bilbo the viewer knows the poor staid hobbit will be in for an adventure of a life time.

As a fan of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, it was wonderful to see familiar characters grace the screen. And it was fun to meet new ones. Bilbo’s thirteen dwarf companions each added their own personality.  Some spiced up scenes with comic relief while others brought a deep dignity to the quest. All could use a stint with Miss Manners!

Watching the hobbit forge bonds with the group and help them through danger gladdened the heart. The viewer understands Bilbo will return to The Shire changed – someone whose unexpected journey will shape the future of Middle Earth.

I’ve seen this in two formats: IMAX 3-D and traditional 2-D. Both times I enjoyed the action packed flick, though IMAX brought the adventure up close and personal.  Whatever way you choose (also in new HFR-3D) buy a ticket and join Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected journey!

Photo: 
Gollum sculpture at Wax Museum in Mexico City. Photographer  Vic201401 via Wikimedia Commons 3.0 Unported

Gwen Knechtel  is a teacher and resides in western Washington with her husband and family. Now in “late middle age” she celebrates daily, love of family, friends and creativity. Gwen is the author of "In Which Relationships are Key" and "In Which the Best Defense is a Good Offense", two of the stories in New Halem Tales Secrets: 13 Stories from 5 NW Authors. She is currently working on a novel, DORM 1973.