“The Hobbit” is a prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” films, set 60 years prior. Bilbo (Ian Holm, reprising his role) is writing this story for nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood again) to read. He tells about the fall of Erebor, the great dwarf city, and how it was taken by the dragon Smaug. Years later, the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan, naturally) comes to the Shire to speak to Bilbo (now played by Martin Freeman). Later that night, a large amount of dwarves arrive and rattle up Bilbo’s peaceful evening. Their leader is Thorin (Richard Armitage) and they are going to reclaim Erebor. Gandalf has decided Bilbo will be a member of their company. Bilbo has decided Gandalf is insane.
But in the end, he decides to join the dwarves. He leaves the Shire and encounters new dangers and sights. Like trolls, Radagast the Brown (Sylvester McCoy) and Rivendell (inhabited by Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, and Christopher Lee). Bilbo also runs into a creature called Gollum (Andy Serkis), a meeting that will change the fate of Middle earth for all time.
“The Hobbit” has a different tone than Lord of the Rings, especially as the book has a different tone. Tolkien wrote it as more of a children’s story than the epic adventure that was its successor. So it has a lighter tone than “The Lord of the Rings.” Think back to the first half-hour to hour of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” The party at Bag-End and the light tone? It’s more of the general tone of “The Hobbit.”
Freeman is great as Bilbo. He has a knack for the comedic stuff as well as the dramatic. And for exuding a feeling of “Everyman.” While I had my doubts when he was first cast, I believe Jackson made the right choice. Armitage is also a wonderful Thorin, a strong and silent type. He has an air of leadership and even I would follow him to the Lonely Mountain.
Most of the other dwarves tend to blend in with each other. With the exception of Balin (Ken Stott), Kili (Aidan Turner) and Fili (Dean O’Gorman). Stott plays Balin (whose name people may recognize from “The Fellowship of the Ring”) as a wise dwarf devoted to his king. He is also the one Thorin seems to trust the most. Kili and his brother Fili are the youngest of the dwarves and in some ways seem to be our Merry and Pippin. As well as part of the estrogen bait brigade (along with Armitage and Freeman). Turner has almost no prosthetics when compared to the other dwarves. But he and O’Gorman have great chemistry together.
The returning cast is a treat as well. No one else, at this point, can play Gandalf as well as Sir Ian McKellen. It is a start to see him again as Gandalf the Grey after a movie and a half of him as Gandalf the White. But good to see more of his comedic side. I was surprised to see Christopher Lee return as Saruman the White. I know he was not happy to see he was cut from the theatrical version of “Return of the King.” But to see him emerge from the shadows was a good surprise. He, McKellen and Blanchett interacted well together. It was as if it hadn’t been nearly a decade since they last worked together. And I think I may have swooned a bit to see Hugo Weaving in Elven armor. He was also allowed to be more light in his portrayal of Elrond this time, unlike the somber Elf we saw in the “Lord of the Rings” movies.
Note: I have to give props to Bret McKenzie. He was an extra in “The Fellowship of the Ring” who gained global attention, given the fanon name “Figwit” (Frodo is Great…Who is That?) and then earned a line or two in “Return of the King.” Now he reappears in “The Hobbit” and this time gets more lines along with a name, Lindir!
And Gollum…Oh, I smiled when he appeared. Andy Serkis once again does a wonderful job, especially with the riddles scene with Freeman’s Bilbo.
Once again, the scenery is gorgeous. New Zealand is as beautiful as ever and everything looks familiar. It is like picking up the next book in a series and stepping back into its world. Jackson does a great job capturing it once again. And the CGI is breathtaking, if used a bit too much.
The music is gorgeous and once again composed by Howard Shore. A wise choice because he knew when to include past music from “The Lord of the Rings.” Like when the One Ring is revealed, the ring music from the trilogy plays. But the new music is good. And the dwarves do some singing of their own. “Blunt the Knives” is a fun romp but I’m sure more people come out remembering “Misty Mountains,” Thorin’s song about how they will reclaim Erebor. Over the credits, Neil Finn performs “Song of the Lonely Mountain.” It fits the mood of the movie.
Do I recommend the movie? Yes, I do.
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