Elements of An Unexpected Journey Done Well

I want to take a moment to reflect on some elements I thought were done extremely well by Peter Jackson and crew through the first disc of An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition.

• The look and feel of Middle-earth is spot on. This is true of all 6 of PJ's Middle-earth movies. It's a testament to the hard work and great vision of all associated with the movie. 
• Howard Shore's score is exceptional as well; much of this first track sounds similar to what we heard in LOTR but the journey's are similar.
• There were lots of great moments that referenced LOTR movies (perhaps too many for some?):
• Returning cast: Ian Mckellan, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, and Ian Holm
• Same Shire set
• Weathertop
• The Troll Shaws
• Gandalf lighting fireworks at a hobbit party
• The list goes on...
• There were lots of great book moments or nods to Tolkien's writing:
• The unexpected party was done very well
• Loved seeing Dol Guldur
• References to Gondolin, the Blue Wizards, Ungoliant, etc
• Overall I give PJ tons of credit for this first stage of Bilbo's journey is essentially the same as Frodo's to the point of Rivendell. That is a huge challenge and the movies have a different feel even though they are essentially covering the same ground. 
• The tone of the movie was pretty good. The Hobbit is certainly lighter fair than LOTR and there is a silly, light-hearted, feel thus far as there should be.
• A lot of feedback concerning AUJ is that is was too slow, I've heard some of may own friends say it, but there was a ton of context that needed to laid as foundation for the rest of the journey:
• Who the Dwarves are--are they characters we can care about?
• Motivation for retaking the Mountain
• Dwarven/Elvish hostilities
• Smaug taking Erebor
• Dwarven/Orc Wars (including Azog)
• Into to Dol Guldur and the Necromancer element

My overall impression is very favorable. There was not a lot that gave me issue during this first disc. It was nearly as I would have imagined it to be. There are a few areas I imagined differently, would have liked explained more, or left me scratching my head and I'll address those in my next post. 

The end of disc one

Well, I finally made it through disc one. You'd think find approximately 90 minutes over the course of the month would be easy to do but apparently not. Of course, I was jotting down some notes as I watched so it took a bit longer than the movie run time. But alas, here I am half way through The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Radagast bursts upon Thorin's traveling company after they emerge from the Troll Hoards. Not sure why but he's shouting: "Thieves, Fire, Murder!" which reminded me of the call of the Shire when the Ringwraiths attacked Crickhollow. Alas, Radagast fills Gandalf in on the happenings at Mirkwood, which are not good. I loved the reference to the "spawn of Ungoliant". Little comments like this that prove that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa Boyens understand what makes Tolkien's writing so good. There's a deeper, living history, as it seems, behind everything. Evil ebbs and flows through the history of Middle-earth and whether you know who Ungoliant the idea is planted that this was another evil from another time. Good stuff.

As Radagast explains what's going on to Gandald we get our first glimpse of Dol Guldur. When I first heard that the Dol Guldur element would be included in The Hobbit movies I was extremely excited. Bringing in extra elements would supplement the story in many ways and I couldn't wait to see what this arc would contain. And the first glimpse was good: a dangerous looking place with visions of the Nazgul and Necromancer. Radagast clearly referenced the Necromancer's ability to control/call/raise the spirits of the dead. As proof he gives Gandalf a Morgul blade.

Before long the company is overtaken by Wargs (which look exponentially better now then they did in the LOTR movies). Gandalf seems convinced that Thorin told others of his secret journey which Thorin denies. I do not remember, but I'll be curious to see, if an explanation is ever given as to how/why the Orcs are hunting Thorin. With the help of Radagast and knowledge of Gandalf the Dwarves make the Hidden Pass (a throwback to Gondolin of the First Age) to Imladris otherwise known as Rivendell otherwise known as The Last Homely House (and I'm glad Gandalf said that!).

Clearly there is tension between the Dwarves and Elves but Elrond proves to be a gracious host. There is a fun cameo of Lindir and some funny scenes of the Dwarves balking at Elvish food (too green) and Kili making eyes at the Elvish maidens (or not). A foreshadow of what's to come.

Gandalf and Thorin's Troll Hoard swords are named: Orcrist (Goblin Cleaver) and Glamdring (Foe Hammer). Interesting, Elrond states Glamdring was the sword of the King of Gondolin (Turgon). I don't remember that Tolkien ever named Turgon's sword; a bit of an embellishment but one I can live with. Reluctantly Thorin accepts Elrond's help in reading the moon runes on the map giving him key information on how to gain entrance into Erebor. Elrond does not deem that course of action wise but does not move to stop Thorin either. Disc one closes with another familiar place, Weathertop, where the Orc hunters gather to inform their leader of the failed chase. We see the big reveal of a main antagonist, Azog, clearly not dead, one armed, and angry.

Journey through the Troll Hoard

As I continue to watch An Unexpected Journey I am finding lots of delightful little moments which endear me to the movie. Here are some highlights:

• More contextual clues as Balin tells Bilbo and the company about the terrible Dwarf-Orc Wars.
• Thror is killed by Azog the Defiler - beheaded to be exact and Thrain is lost. In this moment of despair Thorin took up his ancestor's lineage and led the Dwarves to victory; but Moria could not be reclaimed. 
• Here we saw some book departures: no Dain Ironfoot at the battle and no look at Durin's Bane. 
• Interestingly, when Bilbo asks about Azog and Thorin declares he died Balin and Gandalf share a quick knowing glance - how could they know more of Azog than Thorin?
• There is a great bit about the 5 Istari where Gandalf names them, except of course the Two Blue Wizards whom Gandalf had "quite forgotten their names" (and Peter Jackson did not have the rights to Unfinished Tales where they are named).
• This segued us to Radagast the Brown who appears very briefly in The Lord of the Rings and not at all in The Hobbit books. It's hinted in the book that Radagast has lost his mission caring more for the animals the Middle-earth at large. This is certainly played in Peter Jackson's movie as Radagast is quite an eccentric animal lover.
• There's a quick line as the company sets up camp where Thorin asks Oin and Gloin to start a fire (this is a fun little nod to the book)
• Gandalf and Thorin have a sharp disagreement about seeking help from Elrond and the Elves which sends Gandalf away and segues us to the Trolls. 
• The Trolls are one of the iconic book scenes but left me apprehensive about a film scene. After all they are very childish complete with talking purses that gave Bilbo away. Overall the scene worked with Bilbo being the quickest thinker of the group by engaging the Trolls in a conversation about cooking Dwarves - I am not sure if Gandalf throwing his voice would have worked better. If nothing else this begins to show Thorin that perhaps Bilbo is not so bad after all. And while I dreaded a talking purse it may have been better than Bilbo accidentally being covered by Troll snot. 
• The exploration of the Troll Hoard was a great scene complete with the burying of some gold - that I don't think we ever quite get back around too. 
• But the finding of Orcrist, Glamdring, and Sting were very rewarding. I love hearing Gandalf say they were "forged in Gondolin by the High Elves of the First Age".

Overall many rewarding scenes with some of the embellishments starting to show up. 

All Good Stories Deserve Some Embellishment

I've been sitting on this post for a while. I had a chance to sneak in 10 more minutes of disc one of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Adventure and watched some great scenes and some foreshadowing that I wonder how intentional it was (caveat I've not watched the Director's commentaries so perhaps my thoughts are moot).

I picked up with Bilbo recovering from his shock of the dangers inherent in Thorin's quest. He's reclining in his chair nursing a cup of tea (presumedly). Gandalf is none too happy with his hand-picked hobbit. In an attempt to sway Bilbo Gandalf tells a tale of his ancestor: tall enough to ride a horse and who led a magnificent charge in the Battle of the Greenfields knocking the head off the chief goblin winning the battle and simultaneously inventing the game off.

It's a nice moment of levity for the scared hobbit and one of the many whimsical charms found in The Hobbit which give it a much different feel from The Lord of the Rings. I must admit it was scenes like these from the book that I wanted to be present but had no idea if they could even work. But this scene came off very well (credit Ian McKellan and Martin Freeman).

Of course what struck out to me is when Bilbo says "I do believe you made that up." To which Gandalf replies: "All good stories deserve some embellishment." I have made up my mind this was a good bit of foreshadowing dropped by Peter Jackson and crew. Particularly for the book lovers like myself. There was never going to be a strict adaptation particularly when trying to make the movie universe flow consistently. I can remember sitting in theatre hearing the line and thinking: ok, be ready. Of course, some of the embellishments were much harder for me to digest than I would have imagined.

Moving on there were some nice bits with Balin and Thorin. I am not familiar with Ken Stott, the actor who plays Balin, but he did well with the character. Minus Thorin he's the most developed dwarf in the company and the most friendly with Bilbo so it was important for him to come across as likable and in the early goings of the movie that's happening.

I will end this blog post talking about a couple of home runs. While reviews for The Hobbit trilogy were mixed (if not bordering on negative) in general I have a positive vibe toward Peter Jackson's work. I think, in large part, because when he hits a home run he crushes it. We are talking a 500+ foot shot not barely clearing the fences. My few minutes of viewing ended with back to back home runs.

Thorin leading the dwarves in song: Far over the Misty Mountains cold... It is powerful, it is beautiful, it is visceral. The sorrow, the power, the hope, the resolve. These 13 dwarves are ready to risk everything to gain back their home (and that's key--for it's all about the home in the early goings). I could not have imagined the scene better.

Nearly right after these powerful images are scenes of Bilbo wandering around his empty house. His Baggins' roots relieved to see the Dwarves gone while his Took roots lamented that fact. Indeed, the Tookish side wins. And the scene of Bilbo bounding out of Bag End racing through the Shire with a  look of pure joy and shouting out: "I'm going on an adventure!" - is played perfectly to how I might have imagined it. Well done.

An Unexpected Journey: Beginning to the contract

I've never really written movie reviews before so I'm not sure where to begin: there's the overall feel and pacing, the acting, the music, special effects, sets, and likely so much more my untrained eye does not see. I suppose to start I will mention some of the memorable scenes for me and by the end of the month my thoughts on how true to Tolkien do I perceive the movie to be.

• The music - the dark screen and Howard Shore's score begins. There's only been one movie in my life where the soundtrack stayed with me (Glory) before Howard Shore's collaboration with Peter Jackson. The LOTR soundtrack was epic and inspiring and to hear the familiar strings playing at the beginning of An Unexpected Journey (AUJ) brought smiles, and feels, and tears t me.
• I loved the beginning with old Bilbo and Frodo; and how cool is it that Ian Holm and Elijah Wood reprised their roles?
• It's safe to say that AUJ was my favorite of the Hobbit movies; in many ways it felt most true to the book. Plus, it's a big contextual film (and I LOVE context) with much to set up for the remainder of the story. It begins with Bilbo's prologue (and I love how it's framed as if it's his memoirs written in the Red Book!)
• We are introduced to Thror - Thrain - Thorin and the kingdom of Erebor. The Arkenstone, which will prove to be very important to the later films and Thror's gold-sickness. 
• Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, Father of Legolas makes an appearance. He clearly wants some of Erebor's jewels and is shown a white necklace that he covets. But it's snapped away as he reaches out. 
• Bilbo then tells Frodo how a division arose between Elves and Dwarves: How the Elves say the Dwarves stole their treasure and the Dwarves say the Elves did not pay. This animosity will prove important as well.
• Then comes Smaug. His power is immense but he's barely viewed as he ransacks Dale and Erebor. We get a fleeting glimpse of Girion Lord of Dale fighting Smaug with the flamed black arrow. In fact one of the arrows hits the underside of the dragon before falling to the ground. 
• Unexpectedly we cut to the Shire; a midsummer night, perhaps the Old Took's birthday. Fireworks amaze all by the master himself: Gandalf. And a spirited young hobbit named Bilbo who challenges the wizard with a toy sword (that looks suspiciously like Sting!). I loved this scene! 
• And then old Bilbo/Ian Holm gives the line: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit" (p. 9, The Hobbit). Followed by a good rift on the opening paragraph of the book. These are the moments I really geek out about. 
• We get some moments between Frodo and Bilbo before the elder hobbit goes back to reminiscing (and the transition from old to younger Bilbo is excellent).
• Gandalf meeting Bilbo outside of Bag End was perfect. Spot on. I could watch this seen over and over. And Gandalf's response the Bilbo's good morning was straight out of the book. 
• The dwarves arrival is cut way shorter and while I hate to see anything from the book go this was a reasonable adaptation. How many awkward door answers could Peter Jackson had filmed?
• The Blunt the Knives sequence, while not verbatim, was done very well. And Martin Freeman's Bilbo running to and fro in protest while the Dwarves tortured him was very good.
• There are tons of little moments so far Gandalf lighting his pipe with his finger that satisfy the book lover. No, Gandalf never did this in text but the Wizard possessed the Ring of Fire and this is a subtle way the filmmaker's let the book lovers know they know there stuff. 
• I ended my viewing tonight to the point where Bilbo is finally issued a burglar contract much to the chagrin of Thorin who wrote the hobbit off from the moment they met. Bifur's commentary, egging on the overwhelmed hobbit, makes the scene.

It's clear in the first 40 minutes or so of the movie that Peter Jackson's crew has lost no love for Middle-earth. The attention to detail is astounding. New Zealand once again embodies Middle-earth. There are so many little moments straight from the beloved text. The visuals and sounds are inspiring. It's a movie to get lost in.

But the ensemble acting group is the Arkenstone of this movie. Martin Freeman's Bilbo delights from the moment you meet him. He was perfect for the role. Richard Armitage plays a commanding Thorin. Ian McKellan is established as Gandalf and it's as if 12+ years had never passed in his playing of the role. Jimmy Nesbitt stole any scene he was in from the other Dwarves as Bifur. These are characters you believe in; that you care for. 

Where to begin?

After much deliberation about whether to begin chronologically by Tolkien or Jackson I decided to go with Tolkien. That means I will start by reviewing The Hobbit trilogy before The Lord of the Rings.

When news broke that The Hobbit would actually become a movie I was thrilled. I had read through Middle-earth chronologically and was enamored with the ideas of what could be included in these movies. I also had great faith in Peter Jackson as I felt, by and large, he handled LOTR very well in his film adaptations. I was in the camp of great excitement when it was announced the Hobbit would be three films--fully convinced there was enough material to justify a third film.

Of course the LOTR movies introduced me to Tolkien and I had not read as much of the Professor's work when the movies came out - so perhaps I was a bit skewed in my perspective. I was convinced that any Tolkien on screen was better than no Tolkien on screen. Of course something happened between the two Peter Jackson trilogies that I did not expect: I fell in love with Tolkien's writings.

And while I am a firm believer that books must be adapted in order to be filmed and films will never include the detail a book holds I found myself, at least initially, viewing the Hobbit with a much more critical eye. Whereas with the LOTR the adaptations felt true to the spirit of the Tolkien I could not say the same for the Hobbit. However, I believe that Peter Jackson and his amazing team dove head first into the project (with its many complications) and really swung for the fences. And I give tremendous credit to that.

Now being a little removed (they came out 2012-2014) and having viewed all of the extended editions (I would highly recommend to anyone) I feel less critical. There are still moments I could do with out but the extended editions really filled in some gaps.

So let's begin with An Unexpected Journey...

Happy New Year! A toast! A goal!

Happy New Year everyone!

Perhaps a little late; but better than never! I have my sundry lists of goals, resolutions, and hopes for 2016 (particularly after a very difficult 2015) but as I was reading excerpts from the first Book of Lost Tales the last couple of days one quote caught my eye. I wish this for myself, my family, and you in this coming year: "In one thing only were they all alike, that a look of great happiness lit with a merry expectation of further mirth and joy lay on every face."

I'm reminded of my children, now that they are of the age where they really understand presents and gifts. This past weekend we saw my wife's family (long story short we have a lot of rounds to make at the holidays). When it was present time the look of happiness on my children's face was only topped by their merry expectation of further mirth and joy. Wouldn't it be something to approach life like this? The next meal, the next conversation, the next task, the next day. I've sometimes wondered what it would look like to possess a child like faith--I think this gets near to the point. May you and yours have great happiness in 2016 that is lit with the expectation of further mirth and joy!

Being January 3rd it is, of course, Professor Tolkien's birthday. I hope you all raised a glass and toasted him--the world is a richer place because of him. I am thankful.

And now (drum roll) my goal for this blog in 2016. Honestly, I'm hoping I can be consistent--2013 is the crown jewel of this blog (if anything read that!), 2014 a complete disaster, and 2015 started strong and ended poorly (December a particular fiasco).

I'm in the throes of my "life work" creating a complete and chronological Middle-earth text but it's a long way off before blogging about it. So, in the meantime, my plan is to watch Peter Jackson's adaptations of Tolkien's work and blog my thoughts on those. As of last November I am the proud owner of all 6 extended edition movies. My plan is to spend 2 months per movie (as each EE is divided onto 2 discs it makes a convenient 12 for monthly blogging purposes).

I'd welcome any reader thoughts along the way. Jackson's movie adaptations certainly elicit strong emotional responses. I'll try to give my overall impression of each movie when I finish it up--but to tip my hand a little: it was through Peter Jackson that I was introduced to Tolkien and I am very grateful for that.