TIMES FILM

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

(director: Peter Jackson; 2012)

By Jenny Lee January 13, 2013 Set aside your expectations built from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, to enjoy another epic journey to the familiar world of dwarves, hobbits, elves and wizards, who must forge an unlikely alliance against a mystical evil that is easier on the eyes: Smaug the dragon. When the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain are deprived of their home and prosperity by the fire-breathing creature, its last heir, Thorin (Richard Armitage), and his twelve followers seek revenge, but not without the reluctant help of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the magical wisdom and connections of Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen). Underlying every shot and music cue and dialogue is the films lack of success in distinguishing itself as a separate entity, which reminds the viewers of how it does not quite measure up to the standards Jackson set for himself a decade ago. The directors attempt to make this more innocent and modest tale into something as grand and indulgent as LOTR makes the limitations of the story much more pronounced. With a quest to reclaim gold, the tone is inevitably lighter, lacking that solemnity and sense of urgency and finality of its award-winning sequels. Although all good tales deserve embellishment, Peter goes a bit overboard, condemning us for far too long in a hobbit hole, slowing down its pace and taking the film one wizard and one bunny sleigh too far. But after letting go of all its flaws, as controversial as they may be (i.e. frames per second), it can be quite entertaining and has much to relish. What it may lack in pace, regularity of tone, and succinctness, it makes up for in the majesty of its New Zealand landscapes and cinematography, strong acting performances from Freeman and McKellan and Bilbos unforgettably intense encounter with the ever-haunting Gollum. This first installment is an enjoyable experience of pure joy and entertainment, some suspense and heart, and gorgeous visuals, but nevertheless a story stretched beyond even the limits of Peter Jackson.