And apparently they are awesome. Metro Goldwyn Mayer - again - did some great filming.
When I initially watched the hobbit parts, I was mad about not respecting the books. They kinda did, I know realize. In HD, and in native language these movies are a piece of art.
I had a very strong opinion about how bad they were - but I reconsidered. Even the lead actor Bilbo I opposed - He did a remarkable act. Anyhow. American influence hits hard, once it does. Started at some safari show with a lion named Clarence. Don’t know the name but I loved it - as fair as I can remember.
Love all, but Some.
Martin Freeman was tremendous as Bilbo. And if you don’t compare to LOTR it’s a very good adaptation.
But there are two main criticisms that I agree with.
it was too long and they added too many subplots that didn’t exist in the book
it used too much CGI and not enough practical effects
As a LOTR nerd it doesn’t bother me too much because I’m happy to get more content. But as a film, I think it could have been executed better. There was never enough book to fill 3 whole movies.
Try to track down a copy of the “Tolkien edit”. It’s a fan made recut that clears up a lot of the same grievances I had with it
Oh boy, fan edits! I think I only watched the M4 edit, might have gotten the name wrong. Was pretty good and only one or twonthings are a bit weird because of cuts.
I know, wouldn’t usually mention one but TE was reasonably clean for what it set out to achieve.
This is the one I watched and enjoyed it. It’s really crazy how much was added. The only glaring thing for me was Thorin’s teleporting sword, and only a fan watching would really notice.
Regarding subplots I think they managed to get a nice rhythm of different scenes. Inwould argue that the book specifically targeted the story of Bilbo where as the film tries to bundle some more story to the available characters. The CGI didn’t bother me negatively. It was done pretty well! Though no CGI would have been best, jepp.
I just bought the extended editions…
Gimmee more time in MiddleEarth!
I just wish the Dwarven song in Bilbo’s hobbit house went on for more than 2 verses.