The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey 3D

The film begins on the very same day as in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ with the original Bilbo (Ian Holm) setting the scene and telling the tale of the dwarf kingdom of Erebor and the town of Dale before its sacking by the Dragon Smaug. The portrayal of this is rich in detail and colour and is a fitting and enthralling introduction to a film and indeed a trilogy which has so much to live up to.

The story paces beautifully and the casting is, in my eyes, just perfect with Martin Freeman as Bilbo and Richard Armitage as the troubled Thorin OakenShield really standing out. And of course the incredible Ian Mckellen is back as Gandalf. As perhaps you would expect, the company of dwarves provides the laughs although even Gollum, played by the masterful Andy Serkis, contributes his own brand of dark humour. The goblins and trolls are suitably malevolent and just a little gross, the orcs as bestial and evil as ever and the stone giants awesome.

I’m not in the business of spoilers but suffice to say I left feeling like I had spent time in the company of a greatly missed old friend who had many a story to tell, all wrapped up in some masterful new technology. There is little doubt that ‘The Hobbit’ is set to establish its own special niche in the place in my heart firmly reserved for Middle Earth.

On general release

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