The highly-anticipated first film in a three-part LOTR prequel stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, and Andy Serkis, and is directed once again by Peter Jackson. Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) leads a quiet and uneventful life in the Shire, until one day, adventure comes knocking on his door -- literally. When a group of dwarves seeks to reclaim its homeland, Erebor, which was conquered by the dragon Smaug, they enlist Bilbo as the "burglar" of their expedition. Led by Thorin Oakenshield, grandson of the last king of Erebor, and the wizard Gandalf (McKellen), Bilbo embarks on an immense journey unlike anything he's ever dreamed of experiencing, and comes face-to-face with trolls, elves, orcs, and, of course, the legendary Gollum (an always terrific Serkis). The film overal feels a bit strained. Ever since the Hobbit films were announced, I've wondered why Jackson is going to adapt a single novel into the same number of films as the much larger, three-volume sequel. The film's incomprehensible three-hour running time seems to validate my doubt. It would have been much more enjoyable if it had been an hour shorter. The film, like the LOTR trilogy, is very grand, as in it contains really impressive visual effects, but what this film lacks that the other three didn't is a substantial plot; again, this is probably because of the money-oriented decision to stretch the one book into three three-hour films. Although I did not particularly enjoy any of the LOTR films (I am among probably a handful of people willing to admit this), I do recognize their superiority over this film. That being said, there is still plenty to enjoy: The Bilbo-Gollum scene, for instance, is undoubtedly the picture's best, as it's funny, suspenseful, and terrifying all at once, and Freeman and Serkis were the standout performances. I wish I could have seen it in HFR, and would encourage anyone who hasn't seen it yet to try it out -- and then share thoughts!
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: B
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