We went to see this movie on Christmas day, but I wanted to wait a few days before making any comments. With a film like this... it kind of has to be that way... and, as with any journey, it begins with more questions than answers. One has to wonder at the concepts of trilogies, and whether or not they are worthwhile as works of art --- or are just a way to maximize the impact of a single creative concept.
Did Tolkien know when he wrote The Hobbit that he would later go on to write LOTR? Did Peter Jackson really know that after years of making LOTR that he would come back and make The Hobbit? The Hobbit, most Tolkien's scholars agree, was conceived as a children's book. LOTR's intent was very different, something beyond a children's level.. . So there are some inherit problems when it comes to trying to compare these 2, both as books and as movie trilogies ---- so why bother trying to do just that? What would be the point???
For me..... The Hobbit is a movie that may have some flaws... but it certainly does not have any fatal flaws. If you liked the visual experience of LOTR then you will like this movie as well. It is a "light and sound" movie: look at the long list of Lighting special directors, and the various soundtrack credits and you can get an idea of what kind of project this was to undertake. CGI is a tool, yes, but you still have to develop your characters before you can fully animate and integrate them into the story. As an artist myself... all of this creativity is very uplifting and inspiring.
While I missed the deeper character development of LOTR, along with its delicate balance of high action and tender moments.... I will not criticize The Hobbit for its shortcomings. We still have to see how the other 2 parts of this trilogy play out before making any judgements.
My favorite parts of the movie take place in Rivendell. It is stunning, without all of the swordplay and endless free--falling. The dawning sky and the scene of the White Council would bring even Maxfield Parrish to his knees. Cate Blanchett floats in ethereal light! Later on ... Andy Serkis also delights again as Gollum, with his struggling split-personality that we can all relate to.
Go see this movie if you have had an inkling to do it, in spite of what the critics may say..... go see it and enjoy it for what it is... and let it grow on you, so you will want to see it again and again during your lifetime. I have now watched LOTR many times, and each time I see something I did not see before, which has added to my appreciation over the years.
I give this movie 5 stars, not for a great storyline, or superb acting.... nor for special effects, or for a 3D/ cutting edge FPS technology..... but because it is a compelling visually sparkling gem of a film, enhanced with wonderful light and sound!!!!
Remember..... this is only the beginning.... of an unexpected journey!! Much to anticipate along the way....
Did Tolkien know when he wrote The Hobbit that he would later go on to write LOTR? Did Peter Jackson really know that after years of making LOTR that he would come back and make The Hobbit? The Hobbit, most Tolkien's scholars agree, was conceived as a children's book. LOTR's intent was very different, something beyond a children's level.. . So there are some inherit problems when it comes to trying to compare these 2, both as books and as movie trilogies ---- so why bother trying to do just that? What would be the point???
For me..... The Hobbit is a movie that may have some flaws... but it certainly does not have any fatal flaws. If you liked the visual experience of LOTR then you will like this movie as well. It is a "light and sound" movie: look at the long list of Lighting special directors, and the various soundtrack credits and you can get an idea of what kind of project this was to undertake. CGI is a tool, yes, but you still have to develop your characters before you can fully animate and integrate them into the story. As an artist myself... all of this creativity is very uplifting and inspiring.
While I missed the deeper character development of LOTR, along with its delicate balance of high action and tender moments.... I will not criticize The Hobbit for its shortcomings. We still have to see how the other 2 parts of this trilogy play out before making any judgements.
My favorite parts of the movie take place in Rivendell. It is stunning, without all of the swordplay and endless free--falling. The dawning sky and the scene of the White Council would bring even Maxfield Parrish to his knees. Cate Blanchett floats in ethereal light! Later on ... Andy Serkis also delights again as Gollum, with his struggling split-personality that we can all relate to.
Go see this movie if you have had an inkling to do it, in spite of what the critics may say..... go see it and enjoy it for what it is... and let it grow on you, so you will want to see it again and again during your lifetime. I have now watched LOTR many times, and each time I see something I did not see before, which has added to my appreciation over the years.
I give this movie 5 stars, not for a great storyline, or superb acting.... nor for special effects, or for a 3D/ cutting edge FPS technology..... but because it is a compelling visually sparkling gem of a film, enhanced with wonderful light and sound!!!!
Remember..... this is only the beginning.... of an unexpected journey!! Much to anticipate along the way....
Top Box Office
- 1.$116.6M
- 2.$20.7M
- 3.$11.0M
- 4.$9.6M
- 5.$8.3M
- 6.$7.1M
- 7.$6.3M
- 8.$6.3M
- 9.$4.1M
- 10.$3.0M