"Concerning Hobbits"

Having seen The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey two times now, I am ready to try my best and fairly review it.

If it is considered a failure by many other critics, I can only say it is in relation to the cinematic achievement of Peter Jackson's other three Tolkien-derived stories, and any variance from the book.

If it is a success, it is because of Jackson's vision and scope of and attention to the fine detail that the original author poured his entire life into creating. So yes, when Jackson takes his own liberties beyond a visual interpretation of the established material, it reads as fluffy in spots, silly in others, cumbersome even, but in at least one specific instance it may well be the glue that holds this less spectacular adventure together.

In all, such as in the LOTR trilogy, it strays from the HOW the story is told, yet concretely establishes the same message that the book intended. That's what stands out to me more than anything, the balance, the fine line that Jackson must toe between making it familiar to moviegoers and Tolkienites, but making it new and enticing to everyone. I believe it is accomplished, though in some spots just barely. The impeccable, interwoven score by Howard Shore certainly helps. Shore makes blah moments palatable, good scenes great, and great scenes fantastic.

The movie has been called "indefensibly long" from a professional critic...by about 20 minutes (as was Return of The King), I would concur and say evidenced during their travels on the start of their journey. The first hour or so takes a while to get through. Yet some bright moments occur, including the visuals of the prefacing tale of the dwarves first home under the mountain. Also Martin Freeman makes a great young Bilbo. Truly great. And hearing the dwarves sing their song of reclaiming what is rightfully theirs is an absolute treat. On a personal note, my 8 year old son sat through all 170 minutes, without a gesture of disinterest at any point. Take that for what it is worth.

I should also note that much of the film is spent with the classic and breathtaking camera sweeps. In this regard, the up-to-the-minute technology that has developed somehow dizzyingly outshines the other three films. These clips are beautiful, familiar, but ultimately overdone for the sake of trying to make it a reverent spectacle like LOTR, when the story itself really isn't. It is a simple story of simple people contributing whatever they can in extraordinary times. Gandalf (again played winningly by Ian McKellan) mentions this in one scene with the lovely and perfect Cate Blanchett as Galadriel (this scene of the Secret Order of the White Council is NOT in the Hobbit book, rather is referenced in the Silmarillion and LOTR).

Galadriel: "Why the halfling?"
Gandalf: "Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid. And he gives me courage."

In another moment that is not part of the Hobbit book, Bilbo sums it all up (paraphrase): 'You're right, I don't belong here. I miss my books, my bed. See, that's my home. And that's why I came back. Because you don't have one. A home--and I will do whatever I can, to help you reclaim it.' I found both of these moments quite touching.

So you see, there are several drifts from the material but the meaning of the story still holds true. Rivendell is still magical and the elves rightfully so are the closest reminder we have to what we'd call angels. Blanchett's Lady of Lorien being the prime example. The light emanates from her, the music of her innocent aura impresses deeply upon those weary with cares. The dwarvish race is still stubborn and proud, but loyal until death.

A few of the dwarves are sillier than I would've hoped, aesthetically and character-wise. I pray it doesn't become a nuisance in the last two installments. The same goes for Radagast the Brown who takes on a much larger role than the one or two sentences the Hobbit book refers to him with. The Stone Giants, too. I thought the Great Goblin king and the Trolls to be heavy-handed with CGI, rendering them goofy also and not so believable as threats. This may also be in part due to their vocal characterizations, whereas the goblins and cave trolls of Lord of The Rings that we know were devolved into non-speaking races. Azog The Defiler, who is undoubtedly a key goblin in the other Middle-earth tales is also given a more prominent role in this, in replacement of Bolg. Jackson is establishing a different tension/conflict between him and Thorin Oakenshield.

The invented backstory of Thorin the dwarf prince never quote resonates. Thankfully, Richard Armitage plays the role well, and we can overlook the misstep, because again. Although the aim is for a majestic connection to Lord of The Rings, in this case, specifically Aragorn the would-be king, it misses--still supporting the overarching theme. In a world where we fight and kill and steal, and often do so in the name of justice or vengeance for our long lost loved ones, it is the doings of the meek that will help determine the fates of many.

On that subject, the most electrifying scene, (not the most action-packed, mind you) is exactly what a Tolkien fan would expect. It is of the riddles in the dark between Bilbo and Gollum. Andy Serkis will never be able to receive high enough praise for his performance as Gollum, because the computer effect they use eliminates his  physical "self." But it is undoubtedly his performance and bone-chillingly good to see. The lonely, pitiful creature that covets his precious prize argues within his duality about his connection with a life he has all but forgotten. He was once Smeagol, who lived outside of the darkness where he enjoyed company and loved to play games, and for a moment, you see why Bilbo spares him.

It is with this scene, Thorin's character flaw, and the foreshadowing of the Necromancer that Jackson holds true to the book, making the most clever moves on the chess board. It all fits (so far). I think it will continue to do so. It may not be the same shining example of book to film conversion that Fellowship of the Ring was, so do yourself a favor and don't expect it to be.

Look "simply" for a simple chap called Bilbo, a Hobbit, to take an Unexpected Journey where "Home is behind, the world ahead. And there are many paths to tread."