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.