Nine years after the epic conclusion of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, the famed New Zealand director marks his return to Middle Earth with the first part of his Hobbit adaptation, An Unexpected Journey. The popular book marked my introduction to the work of Tolkien back in 1994, when an animated adaptation was shown to us when I was in the fifth grade. Upon learning the film would be split into three parts, a look of doubt came upon me due to the fact that the book itself is not very long. I sensed Warner and MGM’s desire to cash in on this as much as they could (not surprising by any means). So, how did this all turn out?
As a whole, Hobbit is an enjoyable adventure that is visually stunning as well as an entertaining and satisfying blockbuster. But to reach this entertainment, you must allow yourself the patience of the film’s padded first act development. Jackson is no stranger to long introductions, 2005′s King Kong was criticized by many viewers and particular critics for its hour-long development, drawing out on the characters and the situation they were about to get themselves into. I, for one did not mind the development, finding fascination in the production quality that Peter Jackson put into this technically modern update of the classic 1939 film that defined a genre and paved way for so many on-screen mammoths. Once the development passes and we progress into the conflict, the fireworks erupt into one hell of an adventure ride that Jackson wonderfully brings to life with nonstop thrills and edgy pulpiness. Hobbit follows that similar agenda. The first 75 minutes are dialogue-driven pieces matched by beautiful landscape shots with touches of action that trace the history of how the plot’s purpose came to be. Its pretty much a very typical fantasy film setup. It requires patience, but it doesn’t leave out the charming introduction to the dwarves of the film, who provide more than just a few chuckles and plenty of charm.
As the pace picks up a touch into the second act, the adventure begins and we are soon given gold. The planning Peter Jackson puts into a film is something else, giving his full focus to every little detail of the set. Its fascinating effects construct characters who bring us smiles and thrills as they serve their purpose in the plot. Even when the circumstances carry their flaws, Jackson is never hiding from entertainment, and that is exactly what you will get in the 2 hours and 45 minutes you spend watching The Hobbit.
Some familiar faces appear, and others which will be very new to those unfamiliar with the story. But for old and new fans alike, this is a treat. Peter Jackson manages to come away victorious, even if the odds are stacked against him. From charming performances by the cast across the board and eye-catching visual effects from the masters at WETA Studios, there is plenty to be enjoyed in this bag of tricks.
-ADAM KEITH.
