The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

****
Dir. Peter Jackson
This is a film over 70 years in the making, ever since J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel captured the hearts of readers across the globe. Marking the return of LOTR writer/director Peter Jackson, this first installment in the prequel trilogy is a brilliantly composed high fantasy film, bringing viewers back to the emotions and wonder experienced 12 years ago.

Set 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, we open in the land of the Shire, where the overtly conservative hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) dwells, wishing nothing more than to remain there and do nothing out of the ordinary. Yet the character's life turns upside down upon a visit from the old wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), who appoints the unlikely hero for the most daring quest of his life. Joining a band of dwarves under the leadership of the great warrior Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), this small company sets out to reclaim their homeland Erebor from the mighty dragon Smaug.

With trolls, goblins, orcs, and the shadowy Necromancer (Benedict Cumberbatch) standing in their way, these adventurers must cast all fear aside as they set out on this journey.

Although I had seen some interviews and read a few articles discussing Jackson's plans for expanding the story into a full trilogy, using Tolkien's appendixes as well as LOTR material which they hadn't yet worked with, I was nevertheless hesitant about how they would accomplish this. However, after having seen this film I am very pleased at how Jackson and his co-writers have structured the plot. In this installment, heavy emphasis is put on the White Council: Gandalf, Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and Saruman (Christopher Lee). This subplot is used very effectively, as it foreshadows the return of Sauron and the ultimate fight for Middle-Earth.

As with the first trilogy, this is a visual spectacle. From the elaborate images of the various settings to the magnificent make-up work done on each character, Jackson's innate ability in this area of storytelling is impossible to deny. While the CGI was a bit overused at points, there are few filmmakers who know how to effectively use it.

I was particularly intrigued by the amount of detail dedicated to each dwarf. Unlike LOTR, the various creatures of Middle-Earth are not represented in this company. In order for viewers to be able to distinguish between the dozen dwarves on screen, the producers had to make each costume and make-up component original. This was done beautifully, and there is great depth devoted to the composition of each character and setting.

Needless to say, the tremendous cast added to the film's success. While many of the actors from LOTR returned, the new additions were equally effective in bringing this classic tale to life. Freeman really complimented Ian Holmes' performance, while bringing something fresh to the character.

Furthermore, it was a delight to here the beautifully composed soundtrack by Howard Shore once more. His gaelic theme reflects Jackson's artistic vision just as it did a decade ago.

All in all, this was certainly worth the wait. Fans everywhere flocked to the midnight showing, and I have no doubt were as pleased by the film as I was.