Another film that comes from material I know quite well. I first read the book of The Hobbit when I was at high school (thanks to my brother Neil for insisting I read it). I have read it once or twice since, and of course having seen the Lord of the Rings film trilogy brings its own set of expectations.
Anyone worried that Peter Jackson would not be able to give us anything that lives up to his masterpiece need not worry any longer. The Hobbit gives another great epic, with a little more comedy, lots of blood and gore and a big buddy pic thrown in for good measure.
It was a little confusing at the start if you know the book, as there is a prologue that ties the film to what we know from the previous trilogy, giving us Ian Holm as the aging Bilbo, and a quick glimpse of Frodo. Also quite a detailed explanation of how the Dwarves became dispossessed of their kingdom. Although necessary, probably a little lengthy.
Martin Freeman plays one of my favourite reluctant travelers (the other being Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which he also played) and gives a nicely balanced performance with the typical self-effacing British comedic style. He knows when to allow the situation and the set do the work, so doesn't overact.
Ian McKellen is of course perfect as Gandalf, but somehow comes across as a little older and more disheveled than in LOTR. Its good to see him sustain the cheeky intensity that makes him one of the great film characters of recent years.
It is very difficult not to come up with spoilers, but we see many creatures that are familiar, such as elves, goblins and orcs as well as Gollum. The CGI is of course brilliant, but seemed a little more obvious in the opening scenes, somehow laboured, so that it is a little jerky. Maybe it works better in 3D, but we saw it in 2D. (Note to film-makers, people with sight in one eye can't get the effect of 3D).
I had been wondering how they would split the book into three, as the novel is only as long as the first installment of LOTR. But the ending point did make sense, and I must say I didn't think there was anything that was unnecessary or any scenes that were too long.
Just a word to cinema-goers. No-one expects you to keep your phones off these days. The occasional check of the time has become accepted. But checking it every five minutes for some sort of sports scores? Not acceptable, and it won't be in my time. Sorry I kept 'accidentally' kicking your seat.
Is The Hobbit worth your time? Darn tootin' it is. It is good enough to finally forgive Peter Jackson for his version of King Kong. It's taken a lot Peter..............
I give this 4.5 Orsons out of 5.
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