Lord Of The Films.
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage & James Nesbitt. Director: Peter Jackson.
2012 has been a big year for
films and a hell of a great year for trilogies and other formidable, famous,
fantasy franchises based on comics or books. Following Harry Potter's last
spell last year this set of 12 months has seen the end of the triumphant 'Twilight' and the 'Dark Knight' Batman
saga. The assembling of 'The Avengers' all-together for THE super,
superhero film (and best movie this year) and the beginning of 'The Hunger Games'. Now with
Disney aligning with 'Star
Wars' to give the new 'Star Trek' (look out for the first 9 minutes
of 'Into Darkness') a run
for it's galactic money, the 'Lord
Of The Rings' universe reopens for it's own prequel trilogy of episodes
with 'The Hobbit-An Unexpected Journey'.
We expected as much but welcome with open shires this amazing
adventure and arguably the greatest and most popular trilogies of all-time,
based on one of the biggest and best reads ever. Unlike the cinder block heavy 'L.O.T.R.' trio of
books, the starter of 'The
Hobbit' reads more like a
pamphlet in comparison. Still underestimate the gravitas of this story at your
peril, because Peter Jackson know how to take Tolkien to another trilogy with
the first of three parts that look to be just as epic and fun and even more
special in it's effects and sequences then it's last decade predecessor that
truly has to follow this story. Middle-Earth had broken new, out of this world
ground.
After Elijah Wood takes off the ring British actor/Dr. Watson
Martin Freeman takes over as the original one to rule them all as 'The Hobbit' and for anyone who may have doubts or
think "what's Morgan Freeman doing in the Shire? Narrating?", Martin
makes his mark and proves to be one of the best actors that this class of
characters has ever chosen. Armed with his letter-opener he is endearing, engaging,
funny and forthright, all whilst fitting in and standing out in all his
undervalued talents, the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and Freeman will win over
everyone and anyone involved. Straight out of the frying pan and into the fire
this new group is a hotbed of talent whether tried or yet to be tested.
Featuring a gang of Dwarfs led by one with Aragorn courage that would make Snow
White change her mind about her seven with familiar, favourable faces
like James Nesbitt and arrow-men who can hit the bulls-eye without Orlando
Bloom's Legolas shooting yet.
Still those who miss Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler will be
pleased to see Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchet and Christopher Lee still brought to
the table and of course there's the great Gandalf. With another crowning moment
for Sir Ian McKellen, 100 years younger, kicking ass as well as casting spells.
Then of course there's that little precious one. In the last three films this
writer treated Gollum with the same type of reverence he'd greet Ja, Ja Binks
in 'Star Wars', but here this snivelling little fiend is the best
thing about this three hour trip. We couldn't wait until our Hobbit lost his
way because Gollum loves games and we do too. Don't we precious?
From a truly infectiously hilarious opening dinner to the
meal made out of the awesome action scenes that are choreographed with class
this is a formidable feast. With the beginning of familiar, unchanged font and
a sublime scenic route of special effects this series is seriously back. Even
though we are taken back to the beginning and the basics, everything is stepped
up a notch. Sure it may not be as epic and as grand as the bold and beautiful
battles of the 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy,
but this is a different set of films, familiar but fresh. In this modern day as
well, better special effects and reservoirs of resources help this movie
match-up to the 'Rings' legend and overtake the landscape of it's own legacy.
Just look at the sensational storm giants fight to see how much this film hits
you like a thunderbolt of concrete. You don't need IMAX or 3D to see that those
ones with big, hairy feet are stepping back onto the red carpet to rule the
roost once again. Potter, Twilight, Batman, 'The
Hunger Games' and 'The Avengers' have
had their turn. Now out of the dark and into the warm familiarity of Winter
comes one to rule them all. TIM
DAVID HARVEY.
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