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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

I caught The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Kobe and this marks the first film I've seen in 3D. Probably the last also. At least until the technology improves to a level where I don't need to wear heavy, head-ache inducing glasses over my existing specs. But more than the lack of comfort, I don't think 3D actually brings anything extra to a film - I'm sufficiently 'immeresed' if the film is good enough. And it darkens the picture somewhat as well.

The HFR (High Frame Rate - 48 frames per second as opposed to the regular 24) was another oddity. Now I'm not sure if this was just the HFR or the 3D/HFR combination but the pictures seemed rather fake looking, especially at the start. Kind of like a presentation of some new ultra-clean medical imaging system or a Terminator show at USJ Osaka. Too sharp for these eyes. They need a bit of grain.

So onto the film itself. Some pundits have derided it for being too long. I disagree with this but they're on the right track. I've no problem with the running time, just with some of the flabby early scenes - specifically the Frodo bit and the introductions of the dwarf gang. I'd happily watch a three hour film if it's edited ruthlessly. The Hobbit sadly isn't, perhaps a drawback of Jackson's faithfulness.

That's not to say it isn't a good film. I reckon it does many things well. Once we're underway on the titular journey, the pace starts to pick up and from here, it's a very satisfying film. It wobbles a bit when the comic relief gets in the way (mountain trolls who sound like Chelsea fans, belching dwarves, etc) but the returnees from The Lord of the Rings trilogy are a welcome fillip.

Performance-wise, Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins stands out. He delivers lines, which could sound full of cheese in another mouth, believably and with some heart. Sir Ian, Sir Ian, Sir Ian, action, wizard, "You shall not pass!" does as well as you'd expect but the film really picks up a notch when this cute little fella (right) appears. The two-hander (three-hander?) between Gollum and Bilbo is a highlight for me. Oh, and I thought Rupert Everett did a top job of acting all heroic and dwarfly as Thorin....until I realised at the end credits that it wasn't him at all. It was some bloke called Richard Armitage. Phhhmmt.

Not having read the book yet, I'm anticipating some fine shenanigans in the next two films. But I'll be watching with my old friend 2D - you can ram your slow-burning two day headaches, 3D! If I want three dimensions, I'll ride a BMX along a bat infested river or something. Goodnight.

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