(Caution - this review contains plot spoilers!!)
Having been waiting for this film to be released for what seemed like an eternity, I was delighted to be able to finally see it yesterday, and it does not disappoint.
Bearing in mind that the book of the same name is only a fairly slim volume, I could not really understand how they had managed to produce 3 films, with each one being around 3 hours in duration.
The film opens with the older Bilbo Baggins, back at Bag End; writing a letter to his nephew Frodo. Pleased to see that Ian Holm has reprised his role from the Lord of the Rings, as well as Elijah Wood returning as Frodo. Mind you, we don’t see too much of him; as the action centres very much on his uncle.
We are soon whisked back 60 years in time – it seems that a Hobbit’s life span is much longer than a human’s. The scene once more is Bag End, and we now see the younger Bilbo, played by Martin Freeman.
This films deals with Bilbo’s first encounter with Gandalf, once again played by an excellent Sir Ian McKellan. Bilbo soon becomes an unwilling host to a party of 13 dwarves. It seems that they are determined to recover their Castle from the evil dragon Smaug. Gandalf is determined that Bilbo joins the party, as the ‘Burglar’ Bilbo is reluctant at first, being far too comfortable in his home. A night to reflect on the invitation causes Bilbo to change his mind and he eagerly grabs his back pack and runs off into the woods in search of his new friends, willing to start on his adventure.
Their first encounter is with a trio of mountain trolls, who decide that 2 of the dwarves ponies would make a tasty snack. Bilbo is ‘volunteered’ to rescue them, but of course soon becomes part of the trolls intended meal too. A rescue attempt is launched by the dwarves, but they too are destined to go into the pot. Of course, Gandalf saves the day by forcing the trolls to look at the sun, and we all know that this automatically turns them to stone.
We then encounter another Wizard – Radagast the Brown, played by Sylvester McCoy. Radagast has evidence of a great disaster affecting the woodland and its animals, and he is keen to let Gandalf know about it.
It is during this time that the group are ambushed by a party of Orcs; who are hell bent on destroying the dwarves. Radagast acts as a decoy, whilst the others find a way down a mountain path to Rivendell. Here Gandalf meets again with the Lady Galadriel, played as in the previous films by Cate Blanchett. The party get much needed refreshment and advice, and are soon back on the road.
Their journey through the mountains sees in my opinion some of the best special effects of the film – 2 mountains forming themselves into the shape of men and fighting. A great scene, and according to legend this is what causes thunder and lightning!
The group then find shelter in a mountain cave, and fall asleep; only to be taken prisoner by Goblins. But, Bilbo is fortunate enough to escape and it is here that he has his first encounter with Gollum! Gollum has been concentrating so much on killing and eating his prey (an unfortunate Goblin) that he doesn’t notice his ‘precious’ fall out of his pocket. Of course, we all know that this is the ring – and Bilbo immediately picks it up and puts it in his own pocket. Bilbo is desperate to escape the caves, and knows that Gollum is the only one who can help him. Gollum is not the most helpful soul, and sees Bilbo as his next meal; he will only help if Bilbo wins a game of riddles. Their competition ends in stalemate and Bilbo quickly realises that the ring will turn him invisible, he slips it on his finger and escapes.
Meanwhile, his fellow travellers are rescued once more by the intrepid Gandalf. They fight their way out of the subterranean cavern and meet again on the mountainside.
Their journey continues until they once again encounter the Orcs. It seems that there is no way to escape other than up the nearby trees. But, once again Gandalf proves what a useful bloke he is to have around, and uses a butterfly to summon a group of huge eagles who carry the group to safety.
This is where the first instalment ends.
My score :-
Out of 5 would be 4. I did feel as though it was slightly too drawn out, it could have been about half an hour shorter in length.
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