REVIEW: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012): Dir. Peter Jackson.  Written by: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo Del Toro.  Based upon the novel The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.  Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, and Ken Stott, and Andy Serkis.  Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images.  Running time: 169 minutes.

The_Hobbit-_An_Unexpected_JourneyYes, they split it into three movies, folks—and while we might debate the merits of that decision, we can rest easy knowing that Peter Jackson has assumed the helm after the unfortunate exit of Guillermo Del Toro during pre-production.  Though bloated with side plots and backstory, The Hobbit succeeds with its rousing adventure, creativity, and solid performances from its lead actors.

Intended for a younger audience, Tolkien’s 1937 novel seems less suited for cinematic immortality than The Lord of the Rings, which Jackson turned into probably the greatest fantasy epic to ever grace the silver screen.  But here as in that trilogy is an unabashed love for Tolkien’s world, translated with both broad and subtle strokes. The film settles into a tone somewhere between sweeping epic and comic fable (elements which clash a bit, as the book was more of the latter).  But expansiveness lets the material breathe, and showcases the imagination of the filmmakers.

We’re in the days just before Frodo sets off on his own epic quest, as an older Bilbo (Ian Holm) recounts the days of his younger, sharper self (Martin Freeman).  Freeman’s hobbit boasts a quick wit and resourcefulness even before his inevitable quest.  Yet he disdains the proposition of the blustery wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) who officially asks for his services as a burglar.  It’s only after his future companions (a group of thirteen dwarves) have depleted him of house and home that Bilbo decides to join them.  It’s a lovely moment.  He steals a brief glance outside, perhaps glancing inside himself, before barreling down the path after them.

Jackson & Company give us a goofier journey this time around, what with a whole company of gallivanting dwarves.  Still, they’re led by a fierce dwarf prince, Thorin (Richard Armitage), intent on reclaiming his lost home from the fearsome dragon Smaug.  I wondered at first at Thorin’s design—I always pictured him older, less pretty, perhaps a scar crossing his eye.  But Richard Armitage settles into the role, stubborn and defiant as the Thorin I know so well.

What Jackson does so well is build up his characters throughout the adventure.  One of the treasures of the book is the subtle transformation of Bilbo throughout his journey.  And Jackson gives us key moments that firmly demonstrate his adaptation to a hardier lifestyle.  Freeman brings plenty of British smarm to the role, making Bilbo an interesting character to watch change, learn, and grow.

And while perhaps bogged down by needless exposition, secondary characters, and dwarf hijinks in the first half, the latter half allows for some very imaginative set-pieces.  Our return to the Mines of Moria boasts a swashbuckling sequence that rivals any action film this year for sheer ingenuity, choreography, and hilarity.  Add to this a suspenseful duel of wits between Bilbo and Gollum as they riddle in the dark, as Jackson cleverly translates the menace of the novel’s iconic moment.

Even as the movie occasionally overrates the significance of Tolkien’s tale, it nonetheless satisfies with its own brand of epic fantasy drama.  Me?  I can’t wait to join Bilbo and his compatriots as they continue their journey toward Smaug’s keep.  The film ends fittingly with the dwarves, wizard, and hobbit all stuck on a cliff, sheer drop in front of them, eager to press on.