A Rather Unexpected Journey Part 2 [The Hobbit spoilers]

That's a word you might not associate with Tolkien's works, hilarious, but this film is definitely a lot more kid's friendly. Jokes such as a dwarf asking the elves if they've got any chips (as in fries) when they offer him salad, and the overall livelier atmosphere of Middle Earth make it a bit more approachable to a younger audience than the darker, bleaker, more serious Lord of The Rings. And that's good, I also liked the atmosphere in LotR, but to see a change in The Hobbit means they're bringing something new to the table. I appreciated looking at the stunning Middle Earth in sunlight, clear skies, less misty days, and rolling green hills, it looked magical and a fantasy, which is what the genre is all about. The Hobbit is more about relaxing and enjoying the journey he is on, we all know Bilbo survives, and Gandalf too, so it's less tense and more of an experience than a simple story. The dwarves are great, each has their own different personality, and they look, sound and act just like real dwarves should. I especially like how they enhance the character Thorin (their leader) by making him much more serious and apprehensive to Bilbo than the books implied, that was a good change they made, because otherwise he'd be as party-going as the rest of them, which takes away from the investment of their plight.

One of the greatest things about the film is you get to watch the lore of an already great film series. I was gob-smacked to see the Mines of Moria under siege by orcs, fangasming everywhere, not to mention how I poked all my friends, sharing bits of my knowledge of how Bilbo's sword is called Sting, and he gives it to Frodo, and how it saves him from Shelob in Return of the King because of, well, that would be spoiling the next film a little. So let's just say Sting is another name for Spider's Bane. But the best part by far is Gollum's scene. His battle of riddle with Bilbo really let them play around with his schizophrenia, especially when deciding just to eat Bilbo or not. We have to watch me'ses calories! And he was bloody terrifying at the same time. "What...has the nasty little Hobbit got in it's pocketses?..." will haunt me for a LONG while. Bilbo was in real danger. The ring, no doubt, will aid Bilbo in sneaking into the dragon's lair, but we all know what happens to that in the future anyway. Azog the pale orc was kind of interesting, but he's just there to add a bit of action to the whole thing really, as if there's a constant threat following them. The giant spiders and the necromancers will play a part, in a return to the now so-called Mirkwood as opposed to it's original name.

For now though, it's a good start, to a good trilogy, the casting's perfect, the story's perfect, the world looks perfect, and there are next to no plotholes. Many people find faults with the more relaxed and kid friendly tone, but I can't, it just makes Middle Earth all the more detailed. In a hole, there once lived a hobbit, and I for one, am glad he came out of it. I can't wait for the sequel, and for more of one of my favourite novels to be brought onto the screen.​

Next review will be Les Miserables if I get the chance.