Despite a large number of negative reviews, "The Hobbit" still delivers that one-of-kind wonder found only in the "Lord Of the Rings" trilogy.
The 3D was a masterpiece in itself and the shooting of the film is a stand-alone masterpiece as well. However, I think the audience as a whole may have struggled to connect with characters as they once did in "The Lord Of the Rings" trilogy.
The biggest problem that has been talked about with "The Hobbit" is how elongated it felt. I think when fans heard it would be a trilogy they all asked, “how?” I do know this was not the decision of Peter Jackson, however I do trust him to make magic. In "The Hobbit," there is really only about six or so big events that happen. So I can see how you could say that felt stretched out.
Despite that, I do not think it felt TOO long. They managed to make these 6 events legitimately last 2 hours and 40 minutes. Of course it could have been a bit more eventful, but they did well with what they had and accomplished what they needed to in this first installment of the Hobbit trilogy. Yet, saying “The Hobbit trilogy” still just doesn't sound right.
The 3D in the film is of course fantastic. In a previous review I discussed how the 3D was a PART of “The Life of Pi.” I feel in "The Hobbit" that was not so much the case. It was beautifully done and really added to the film, but its not another layer to the film as it was in "The Life of Pi."
The cinematography in the film is impeccable. Your eyes will thank you as you are watching. The first shot of “the ring” is so powerful. I think its the addition of the ring theme chiming in as you see it. Any true LOTR fan knows this theme by heart. The shot and that theme just take your breath away. I challenge you while watching this film to ask yourself, “OK, how did the camera get there,” you will not be able to comprehend its location much less answer that question.
The dialogue in the film is exchanged flawlessly. I would even venture to say the script is almost more clever then some of the LOTR trilogy. This helped a lot with giving the dwarfs’ in the film such wonderful personalities. When they first parade and force themselves on screen (and they definitely force themselves on screen) their witty banter and actions light up the screen. I also love how the kept the dwarf stereotype accurate to what you’d think it should be. Prideful, overindulgent and slightly foolish.
As much as I do not want to complain about the film, I have to say that it does not generate a level of connection to the characters as I would have wanted. The was not much of an emotional connection. Now this could only be due to the fact that not a lot of emotional scenes took place in this first Hobbit film. I just recall in the first 20 minutes of The Fellowship of The Ring connecting to all the characters. There are still some scenes in "The Hobbit" that rock my emotions but its just not as deep as I would have wanted.
For the kids: Yes this films is directed to the kids for sure. There is a few questionable scenes. (such as a beheading) that I may suggested averting the eyes of the young.
For the teens and college age kids: Yes of course. I do not think I have to explain why, but I will. For this generation the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is a huge part of their moving watching experience. It is one of the movies of this generation. Therefore, "The Hobbit" can only bring insane amounts of excitement out of them.
For the adults: The script will keep you engaged while the impressive cinematography will keep you entertained. Just be sure you have a lot of popcorn.
You can see "The Hobbit" right here in Pace in 3D. For a rating I will sadly give it 8/10 dwarfs. I hate not to give it a perfect 10, but it did not deliver the character connection I needed to give such a rating.
