The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Despite a sincere passion for the material, Peter Jackson's decision to split the story into three parts does more harm than good. Most of the film's story is composed of the book's early stand alone adventures that don't contribute much to the larger story. Worse, it has a B story that's mostly unrelated to the main story. Despite being shorter than the other Lord of the Rings films, it feels longer due to some scenes being longer than they should have been and others just being pure fluff to pad out an already shallow story segment. Most of the redeeming qualities are around the cast. Martin Freeman was aptly cast for the role of Bilbo, though his character's evolution was rushed into heroism far too quickly. Anthony Serkis's triumphant return as Gollum was one of the few perfect scenes in the film in both accuracy and pacing. Hopefully, future installments of this story will have higher stakes and tighter narratives because this was a lackluster start that kicks off its trilogy almost as ineffectively as The Phantom Menace.
For a puffed out narrative with too many throw away scenes. Gains points for the cast and the climax wasn't too bad.
It's an enjoyable musical experience, but the transition from stage to screen is a bit cumbersome. The rather dense story doesn't conform to a standard three act structure and, with little dialogue to slow it down, maintains a near breakneck pace. The live singing gives the performances great emotional nuance, but at the expense of choreography and visual aesthetic. Many numbers have little movement from the actors and very static shots. For example, Anne Hathaway's big showstopper "I Dreamed a Dream" has her sitting in a single position with a single medium shot. A boring move on any other day, but she pulls it off. Most of the other cast are equally up for their roles, especially Sasha Baron Cohen and Helen Bonhiam Carter as the slimy Thernandiers. Russel Crowe is the only weak link. While having an acceptable singing voice, he is often outclassed in his duets with Jackman, who has a more operatic vocal quality. If you're a fan of musicals or the Les Mis story, it's worthwhile watch. The transition to screen could have been smoother, but it holds its own.
Good performances from the cast, but rapidly moves through the very dense story without giving the audience a pause.
Tarentino brings a nostalgic western style with some modern elements and his usual dosage of bloodshed. Christoph Watlz dominates the first act with the same scene stealing presence he brought to Inglorious Basterds, but the film follows its title and most of the second and third act belong to Foxx. Samuel Jackson makes a refreshing change of performance by playing a character that is intense and frightening without having to shout (thought there weren't any snakes for him to be tired of). DiCaprio sports a new accent, but otherwise gave his usual performance of being charming, then shouting, and then dying. Tarantino seems to curb the blood a bit, but only a bit. Many of the death and bloodshed mimics Kill Bill Vol. 1 in the cartoonish effect. Each act of the film nearly forms a separate story that sets up the next. Overall, it's a rather enjoyable film that unabashedly mocks southern prejudices without falling into the trap of the white man savior stereotype. The violence and bloodshed may gross a few people out, but fans of Tarantino may actually find it a little tame.
Will satisfy any fan of westerns and/or Tarantino films. Moves through the different acts without missing a beat and delivers on all its promises.
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