THE HOBBIT : AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY - archive from 29th December 2012.

Sandwiched between Christmas and New Year I saw 'AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY' last night - the first 'HOBBIT' instalment. Once again Peter Jackson does not disappoint, and once again he has crafted a rich, colourful and spectacular story that continues the themes seen in the 'LOTR' trilogy. 

Many familiar characters are there with those same actors returning to maintain the all important continuity including Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf. The sweeping landscapes are breathtaking, the battle scenes gripping, the story engaging, and the FX taken to another level still, being ten years on from LOTR in production technology terms. Gollum in particular is menacingly and beautifully realised by the very talented Andy Serkis, and Bilbo is played my Martin Freeman who seems well cast and will settle in to the role no doubt with ease, as each instalment progresses. And then there is the rag tag band of dwarves all sent to support and protect Bilbo - all rich colourful emotional characters in themselves named Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Fili, Kili, Ori, Nori, Dori, Oin and Gloin! Brilliant!

In short, Bilbo very reluctantly sets out from his home in quiet sleepy Middle Earth with a band of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim their mountain home, Erebor, from the evil dragon Smaug, who is also guarding all the gold reserves that lies within Erebor. What ensues is adventure, danger, suspense, humour and anguish as Bilbo and Co. embark on the first leg of their journey.

Like LOTR this will only get better with each instalment - bring on Episode 2! A must watch, and only on the big screen!



-Steve, at Odeon Online-