Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The (11/4/2013)

PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action/violence and frightening images.

Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett..

Directed by Peter Jackson

This film was truly… unexpected.

I walked into this film expecting something like Lord of the Rings. Mistake #1. This movie is not really like Lord of the Rings much at all, and I can’t tell if its our responsibility as an audience to hold it to a different standard or to be justified in feeling like the change of tone is too drastic. The film was way more lighthearted than the previous LOTR, bringing a sometimes goofy feeling for the film that gave me the impression Peter Jackson was trying to reach out to younger audiences. This would make sense, since the book The Hobbit was intended by Tolkien as a children’s story. The characters are also a little bit more exaggerated and imaginative than we have previously seen in LOTR; the dwarves showcasing exotic styles in their hair and beards and the wizard Radagast literally having half of his face encased in what appears to be bird feces.

I was also caught off guard when, as I was walking into the theater, I was handed a pair of 3-D glasses. I wouldn’t have chosen to see this movie in 3-D had I been given the option, because I would’ve expected that 3-D would’ve been blurry and distracting to the quality of the film (you’ve probably heard my dad whine about 3D. He hates 3D. Maybe I inherited some of that). Mistake #2. The 3-D was dumbfounding in clarity and seamlessly integrated to the point that I forgot I was watching it in 3-D. There was no motion blur, no decrease in image clarity, and the glasses weren’t all scratchy on my nose like they usually are.

However, clear as the movie was, I couldn’t help feeling…odd as I looked on the screen. The movie was so smooth and high in definition, that the motion almost felt unnatural. This is probably because this film entered uncharted territory by shooting the entire picture at 48 frames per second, where 24 fps is the norm (30 for home video). This gave the film a much smoother, lifelike quality. I couldn’t decide if this was a bad thing that the film procured such feelings, or if it was just unfamiliar territory because of how foreign the motion was to what I typically have seen in film. As the movie continued on I soon forgot my apprehension of the screen’s clarity, but never disregarded it entirely.

And finally, after the credits rolled, I thought that I would’ve been yawning and yearning to stretch my legs after sitting almost 3-hours. Mistake #3. The Hobbit was not too long at all, despite the lengthy running time. That last statement might seem like an oxymoron to the cinematically faint of heart, but when you finally see the film it will make sense. Not once did I find myself yawning or checking my phone to see what time it was. I already have read the book (many times), so I didn’t think that the plot would have kept me on the edge of my seat and in constant attentive obedience to the silver screen like it did. Granted, I am a fan. So I might be a little biased in the realm of “how engaging” the film was, but I honestly think that anybody who has seen the trailer has already sort of become a fan if it convinced them to go see the movie.

In short, I don’t know how to evaluate this film. It was like nothing I could have anticipated, and it doesn’t even continue in the same kind of intonation as the previous Lord of the Rings movies. So what do we compare it to? I don’t know for sure. I tend to overthink things. But what I do know is that it isn’t necessary to compare this film to anything I wasted a good day and a half trying to figure out if this movie was as good as the previous ones, and in the end it really doesn’t matter at all. I was intrigued by the movie as a piece of art, visually stimulated by the gorgeous scenery and flashy effects, and exhilarated as a fan of fantasy and Tolkien’s stories. Shouldn’t that be enough?

I am going to buy this film when it comes to blue-ray. And I still don’t know what my critique is on it as a film. But my adventure with Peter Jackson was a treasure that I will always remember, and in that way The Hobbit was truly an unexpected journey.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Absolutely… unless they are frightened easily by creatures like Gollum, trolls and a dragon.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What was your favorite moment during this film?


2. One of the memorable moments in this story is when Gandalf gives Bilbo the sword “Sting.” What is the best gift you’ve ever received?


3. Why was “Sting” such a useful gift?


4. When Bilbo received the sword, he claimed, “I have… I have never used a sword in my life.” Gandalf replied. “And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one.” Why do you think Gandalf is advocating mercy?


5. Read Matthew 5:38-44
   
   38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
   
   
6. Summarize this passage in one sentence.


7. Why do you think Jesus was advocating loving enemies?


8. What are ways you can love an enemy this week?