An Unexpected Journey Final Review

Overall my impression of An Unexpected Journey is a very favorable one. In reviews I read (it had very mixed reviews indeed as all The Hobbit movies did), generally, it seemed to be the least favorite of the three movies by many.

But for me I think I would say AUJ was my favorite of PJ's Hobbit trilogy. To me it seemed to have the most direct ties to the book and that's what I wanted to see. Now of course no book to screen is ever going to be fully portrayed and certainly not such a beloved book that people of read for years with strong personal images associated with it. So while I favor book scenes and quotes over anything else I do understand some liberties must be taken.

Peter Jackson himself seems to warn us of this early in the movie. And I try to remember that as I watch these films. Overall AUJ had far more hits than misses and only one truly over the top scene (Goblin Town escape) which PJ seems to enjoy.

My biggest disappointment when I first saw it centered on Azog. Truth be told there are far bigger issues to come that make Azog seem just fine. I cannot get Thorin's line out of my head when he saw Azog for the first time: It cannot be! That's exactly what I was thinking.

Chronologically (which is my thing if you've read this blog) Azog was dead for several hundred years. He should not be in this movie. Of course you need an antagonist; but for the life of me I cannot comprehend why the decision was made to forgo Tolkien's version: Bolg, Azog's son. I could have easily lived with Bolg chasing Thorin's company around Middle-earth with the totally plausible motivation of revenge. Of course, as we'll see in future movies, we will have many heroes introduced and, in the end, I suppose they all need someone to fight.

I will say this the longer I've lived with Azog in the film the more comfortable I am with him (even if he's a bit over the top). And I noticed for the first time when rewatching the movie for this blog that during Thorin and Azog's showdown the Ringwraith motif was being played. That makes sense to me. What are Ringwraiths? Neither the living nor the dead; souls enslaved to Sauron. And in his current state Sauron is a Necromancer who by definition is one who uses black magic to communicate with the dead. So; in my mind I could see Sauron raising Azog from the dead, almost in Ringwraith fashion, to lead his legions. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Finishing An Unexpected Journey

I've been sitting on this post for a while. I was able to finish disc two of An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition and here are some of my final takeaways:

• Gandalf's entrance to save the Dwarves was sweet
• However, the race out of Goblin Town was a wee bit over the top I felt
• The "pity of Bilbo" was played perfectly by Martin Freeman and his decision not to kill Gollum would have major impact on events to come. 
• Interesting how when Bilbo reunites with the company the Dwarves are most interested in the why he can back; not the how as in the book. Thorin is still suspicious of the Hobbit and Gandalf suspicions are aroused.
• The butterfly/moth sequence was used again as a why for Gandalf to call the Eagles for help. It's a bit odd but it does, in my opinion, have some roots in Tolkien. Manwë is the King of the Valar and the ruler of the winds and airs; in fact it was he that created the giant eagles. So it's not out of the realm of possibility that Gandalf is simply using a communication system set up by Manwë.
• Thorin finely meets Azog; he utters the words it cannot be and I wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment. 
• The Eagles take the Company to the Carrock; and if you look you can see it's bear shaped! Subtle, but it's there. 
• I liked the emotional climax as Thorin finally; three hours later, embraces Bilbo as a member of the Company; useful in his own way and his usefulness will only continue to grow.
• There were some nice book lines scattered throughout (Out of frying pan and into the fire; I'm not a Hero or a Warrior).
• I enjoyed the glimpse of the Lonely Mountain at the end and of course it was a very nice touch to see Smaug (or his eye at least) lazily laying among the gold.

Riddles in the Dark

Is there such a thing as cinematic perfection? I'm sure directors or actors would say they could always do better, more, another take. But in terms of the viewer; beauty is in the eye of the beholder - right? And what I witnessed last night was, in my eyes, cinematic perfection. The Riddles in the Dark chapter from The Hobbit is an iconic chapter. We are introduced to the slimy, slightly unhinged, and scary Gollum. We see Bilbo lost, confused, and hopeless and yet needing every ounce of cognitive acumen he can muster to avoid becoming Gollum's next snack. It's a scene that sticks with many readers who read the book when they were young. I, for one, was very curious to see it played out on screen.

I was not disappointed. It's nearly 15 minutes long, uncut, two marvelous actors (Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman) creating a tense environment with several lighthearted moments - like when Gollum waits for Bilbo's first riddle - did Gollum just become adorable? Both actors were outstanding with their little facial contortions and movements that really pinpoint the highs and lows felt by Gollum and Bilbo during the Riddles game. I could watch this scene again and again. It was so well done (and according to the bonus footage Martin Freeman's first filmed scene of Bilbo no less!).

For those keeping score at home (that's me) for times sake not all the riddles could be used. Looking back at the book I give a thumbs up for the selections Peter Jackson and writers decided to include:

• Gollum's "mountain" riddle
• Bilbo's "teeth" riddle
• Gollum's "wind" riddle
• Bilbo's "eggses" riddle
• Gollum's "time" riddle
• And of course, the titular riddle regarding "what have I got in my pocket?"

Riddles that did not make the cut:

• Bilbo's "sun on the daisies" riddle
• Gollum's "dark" riddle
• Gollum's "fish" riddle
• Bilbo's "no legs to four legs" riddle

From Rivendell to Goblin Town

I finally had a few moments to watch the first 30 minutes of An Unexpected Journey disc two of the extended edition. It's been that kind of month.

The disc begins with no introduction as we find Bilbo Baggins roaming and loving Rivendell. There's a nice connection to Jackson's LOTR films as Bilbo passes the shards of Narsil and looks, transfixed it seems, on the painting of Sauron and his Ring. There's also a nice exchange between Elrond and Bilbo where we see the invitation to the diminutive Hobbit to stay with the Elves; plus a great line from The Fellowship of the Ring book about the counsel of Elves is thrown in.

We see more Dwarven mischief (skinny dipping in a fountain; did we really need that?) The poor Elven kitchen help are all in a twitter due to the veracious Dwarven appetites. But things get notched up rather quickly as we (and by that I mean the audience, Bilbo, and Thorin) overhear Elrond and Gandalf discussing the quest and Elrond's fear of a sickness that runs in Thorin's family.

From there we see our first glimpse of the White Council. I won't go too much into book lore here but suffice it to say, although paired down a bit, seeing the Council on screen was a treat. Especially with the venerable Christopher Lee and Cate Blanchett reprising there roles as Saruman and Galadriel respectively.

We get to see the real reason for Gandalf helping the Dwarves: concern that Smaug might join with the Enemy. We see Saruman pridefully dismissing any notion of Sauron's return and even his fellow "foolish" wizards (Radagast). Galadriel can sense Gandalf's fear and asks him to reveal the Morgul blade. Lots of stuff to get into when the time is right. For now I'll simply say it's a big book departure. Elrond cannot believe his eyes for the blade of the Witch King of Angmar was buried long ago in an impenetrable tomb.  But alas, Saruman will have none of it dismissing it all has minor disturbances that Gandalf if looking for trouble in.

This is exactly how Saruman should have been played. He's not altogether on the side of evil yet. However, you can sense his pride that will lead to his downfall. He is the fount of knowledge. He knows the Ring lore. As Gandalf departs, determined to still help the Dwarves, Galadriel asks him about Bilbo--why choose him? It's not a "straight from Tolkien response" but it resonated with me and I could imagine the professor, in some shape or fashion, coming to a similar conclusion: "It's the everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay...acts of love and kindness". I like it and I think there's a lot of truth in it.

Some final bullets that I noted while watching:

• Peter Jackson certainly takes his liberties with Tolkien's throw away lines: see the Stone Giants battle, about 3 minutes of visually stimulating entertainment for a quick never referenced again Tolkien line.
• We see Thorin's continued disdain at the presence of Bilbo: He shouldn't have come. He has no place among us.
• Gloin wants to start a fire!
• A quick scene to remind us Azog is still hunting.
• Bilbo and Bofur share a nice moment together; Bofur seems like the joyful loving kind of guy you'd just want to hang out with.
• Oh Goblin Town; what a song by the Goblin King. He's gross. 
• Funny little line about the Elvish "keepsakes" the goblins discover on Nori: "Made in Rivendell. Second Age. Couldn't give it away!"

We are still going strong with some slight disappointment regarding the Witch King of Angmar but seeing the White Council trumps that one.

Elements of An Unexpected Journey (pt 1) I would have changed

If you've followed my January posts you'll get the idea I am pretty favorable toward disc one of the Extended Edition of An Unexpected Journey. Truly I did not find much to criticize or complain about. I use those words cautiously because I am no filmmaker and therefore do not really know the difficulties of bringing something life onscreen; particularly a beloved book which many guard jealously. So I suppose this is more of a dream instead of a critique. One thing working against me, having read Tolkien chronologically, is wanting to see elements in the film that Peter Jackson would never have the rights too. I will point that out when necessary. Here are some points I would have liked to see incorporated:

• Azog is called the Defiler; but other than beheading Thror in battle there is no real reason. Check this out. I wish Peter Jackson had and I would have followed this scene pretty closely. It gives another reason for the Dwarven attack on Moria--revenge. And can you imagine seeing AZOG scrolled across Thror's head? Intense!
• During the Dwarf-Orc Wars we see not only Thorin rise as a warrior-leader but also Dain son of Nain: "Up the steps after him leaped a Dwarf with a  red axe. It was Dain Ironfoot, Nain's son. Right before the doors he caught Azog, and there he slew him, and hewed off his head. That was a great feat, for Dain was then only a stripling in the reckoning of Dwarves" (p. 356, The Return of the King). Plus it's revealed that Dain peers into Moria and spies Dúrin's Bane - a glimpse of a Balrog is no bad thing. 
• I would have preferred the movie followed Tolkien here as well. I get why the Dwarves needed to be chased, to create some tension, but why couldn't have Bolg been leading the chase? That makes more sense to me; he's looking for Thorin to avenge his father (Azog). Truth be told: the extended appearance of Azog was very disconcerting to me. He should be dead! I suppose, and this is how I've had to justify it, it could be contrived that the Necromancer raised Azog from the dead since that's what Necromancer's do and Radagast hints at that power in the movie. Plus, we have no context for Dain when he finally appears.
• I love how Gandalf's idea to pair Bilbo with Thorin came to be--this would have been awesome but no rights to it for Peter Jackson, alas you can read here.

So all in all not too many issues so far. Several places I wish the book had been followed more closely (and given Jackon's movie making history I'm still sort of surprised the first bullet point wasn't followed) and one missed opportunity (due to book rights and all that jazz) that I think could have been, in someway, added in to fill in some gaps. 

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.