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Picture
Bilbo Baggins embarks on a journey to help a group of Dwarves
reclaim 
their kingdom that was taken over by a powerful dragon.
ACTION/FANTASY

The Hobbit: An
​​Unexpected Journey 
(2012)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens,
​Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro


Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage,
Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt,
​Aidan Turner, Ian Holm, Hugo Weaving, Manu Bennett,
​Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Sylvester McCoy


Prequel to 2001's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien

Oscar Nominations - Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects,
​Best Production Design

Connor Eyzaguirre
December 14, 2014
7/10
I enjoyed the first installment of The Hobbit, but it seemed to be lacking something that made The Lord of the Rings so realistic. Aside from that, the story is engaging, the characters are enjoyable, and the hints at things to come will make you smile.

Martin Freeman was the perfect one to play Bilbo Baggins, with his trademark wit and charm adding to the character. It was great to see Ian McKellen return to the role of Gandalf the Grey, but it's clear that McKellen's heart is not entirely in it anymore (which is understandable).

I didn't like the overabundance of CGI that Jackson used as opposed to the practical effects he used in The Lord of the Rings. The CGI looks fake and takes away a good chunk of the realism that made the first series so fun and timeless. Still, the first Hobbit film grows on you and is still a fun movie.
Caleb Leger
March 6, 2016
8/10
Oh how good it is to return to Middle Earth. At this point, everyone can agree The Hobbit trilogy is not nearly as great as The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Still, the first installment in this prequel series is a lot of fun, with great performances and set piece moments that have come to defined the seres. Apart from the not so great looking CGI, An Unexpected Journey shows the return trip to Middle Earth is totally worth it. 

Martin Freeman leads the pack in the role of Bilbo Baggins. He is the perfect person to bring this beloved character, bring his wit and charm to the role. If the movie ever stumbles, Freeman is always there to immediately put it back together. The actors playing the Dwarves are also excellent in their roles. While some get lost in the shuffle, they still make a good impression. It also helps their comedic timing is usually on point. Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, showing once again he's the perfect choice for this role. As said earlier, the one thing holding this film back is the overabundance of CGI. Worse, it's not always the best. A sad thing compared to the stellar use of practical effects in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. 

An Unexpected Journey is a fun and welcome return to beloved Middle Earth. The entire cast is on point and there are some truly breathtaking action scenes. The decision to use CGI over practical is what essentially leads to the film's, and the series as a whole, undoing. Still, I highly enjoy this movie.

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Filmgazm is made by movie lovers for movie lovers. We believe in the magic of film and we aim celebrate films of all genres and throughout cinema history, regardless of who's behind the camera or who financed it. We at Filmgazm believe that every film deserves to be reviewed on its own merits and that's what we are here to do. Enjoy the show!
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