Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The hobbit: an unexpected journey


Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis; Direction: Peter Jackson; Screenplay: Fran Walshm Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro based on the Novel by J.R.R. Tolkien; Music: Howard Shore; Editing: Jabez Olssen;  Genre: Fantasy Adventure; Location: Middle Earth; Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures; Running Time: 169 minutes
 
Technical Assessment:  3.5
Moral Assessment:  3
CINEMA Rating            :  V14
Sixty years before the events in the Lord of the Rings, Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) is recruited by Gandalf, the Grey (McKellen) into becoming the “burglar” for Thorin and his company of 12 dwarves as the latter set out to reclaim their kingdom, the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo at first is reluctant, but curiosity and desire for adventure takes over so he sets out and runs after the Company of Dwarves. On the way, they are attacked by trolls, meet the wizard Radagast, the Brown where they are hinted that the Necromancer has risen, chased by the Orcs and are almost killed by Azog, the Orc war-chief who lost his arm to Thorin in a previous battle. Bilbo also has an encounter with Gollum and manages to keep the ring of power after he wins in a game of riddles. The film ends with the group seeing Lonely Mountain in a distance and the dragon Smaug waking up.
The Hobbit successfully recreates the visual tone of Lord of the Rings. This naturally means cinematography, art direction and special effects are stunning. (We watched the movie in 3D, hence there was this added quality of depth of detail and clarity of images). However, the animation, although still an outstanding feat was a bit too sharp and felt more like a video game losing a little of its mystique. Story wise, it tried to be faithful to the details of the novel but catering more to the adult viewers instead of children readers as the author originally intended. Needless to say for non-Tolkien fans, the movie will feel too long and dragging with all the characters, encounters and exchanges of lengthy words. Jackson is still a superb story-teller because even for a heavy narrative-based film, he has intelligently inserted animated suspense and heart-stopping action without going over-the-top or drawing too much attention to it. The Hobbit is an epic experience visually and mentally but does feel a bit stretched too much for comfort. A tighter editing and trimming down of repetitive scenes are needed.
There are several quotable quotes which translates also into great moral reminders. For instance, Gandalf telling Bilbo that courage is not knowing when to take a life but when to spare one. This is a philosophy that needs to be emphasized these days when the value of life is negated. Another quote and lesson is delivered by Bilbo as he returns to aid the Dwarves even though he could have turned back and returned home because he empathizes with them for losing theirs. Again, this is a timely reminder for people to be heroes and saviors, especially to those who have lost so much or own so little. The challenge it to extend help when they can even if it inconveniences them.
The values of teamwork, courage and defending one’s self without killing are reiterated throughout the movie. The characterizations are inspiring and redemptive emphasizing self-sacrifice, honor, kindness and bravery.
There are some violent scenes, scary characters and intense battle sequences. Parents should be wary of ideas and scenes that refer to cannibalism, use of wizardry and magic, and mutilation.