Love this video clip of another Hobbit interview. The Voice.
The Hobbit New York Premiere, December 6, 2012
The Press Tent - Getting Ready for the Evening
Subway Station
December 7, 2012- All Traces of Hobbit Gone - for Now
I saw The Hobbit on December 6 in 48fps 3D. I'm not a big fan of 3D films, to me the added layer and the "gimmick" of it all adds very little to the movie experience. But I was impressed by this new 48fps. Visually it is stunning. However, I'm going to see the film again regular 24fps on Sunday, and will let you know which version I like best. I did miss the effect of being immersed in another reality that traditional film gives you.
The first half of the film that some critics have criticized as being overly long is my favorite part of the film. I love the story of the dwarves and Thorin, how they were before Smaug and then after. It really gives so much more depth to the story.
As an LOTR movie fan I was thrilled to see Frodo and old Bilbo again, and Peter Jackson did a great job of joining the old and the new with those scenes. Then I laughed and cried at Bag End with Bilbo being brought together with the dwarves by Gandalf. Though not all the dwarves had lines in this first film, I disagree that they didn't come across as individuals. by the end when they all head off to their adventure, I felt I knew a little bit about each of them and I know there's more to come.
I have to say that from the first time I listened to the book, The Hobbit, my sympathies have always been with the dwarves and their story. You see I have a Smaug in my own personal family history. I agree with Peter Jackson's decision to expand the story of the dwarves, I think it will make for a more interesting trilogy. Remember, this is only part 1, or chapter 1 if you will.
The film benefits from three great actors as the leads: Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman, and Ian McKellen. Martin is initially subdued and set in his ways as Bilbo, but as the film progresses you see him blossom, not only because of his adventures, but because of his growing friendship with the dwarves, and Thorin especially. Freeman moves seamlessly between comedy and drama.
Ian McKellen is a great actor, and you can tell he loves being Gandalf. He is the man, or the wizard, in the middle between innocent Bilbo and serious Thorin.
Richard Armitage is a revelation as Thorin. I probably have watched almost every TV show and film he's ever done, several times each, but he surpassed what I expected of him. He is dashing and heroic and conflicted as a lost prince and possible king. You can see and feel the pain and the weight of responsibility on the shoulders of his character, even in the rapid fire action sequences. Armitage moved me emotionally so many times during the film, often at unexpected moments, that I am in awe of him. I can't wait for the other two films and how Thorin's story develops. Bravo Richard!
Just a few words on the villains of this unexpected adventure. My only real negative of the film is Azog. He's the only CGI character that looks CGI and, though I understand why they felt it was necessary to add him as the chief enemy of Thorin's here, I find the suggestion of evil in the necromancer and the almost unseen Smaug as more interesting enemies. Hope they tone Azog down in the next film.
Thorin has the most beautiful blue eyes of any dwarf prince, but there is another blue eyed one that grabbed my attention. Andy Serkis once again makes us believe in Gollum as real and even makes us feel sympathy for Smeagol.
If I were giving stars, I'll give The Hobbit 4 Stars out of 5 and I can't wait for the story to continue.
My pleasure
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