THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Peter Jackson
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The film's use of familiar music evokes strong nostalgia for Lord of the Rings fans.
- ❖The goblin pit sequence is praised for its creative action, technical execution, and clear choreography.
- ❖Martin Freeman's portrayal of Bilbo Baggins captures subtle hesitations and a unique character arc.
- ❖The hosts appreciate the film's ability to individualize all thirteen dwarves, adding depth to the company.
- ❖Gandalf's 'tenth man' mentality, questioning prevailing peace, is highlighted as a key narrative element.
- ❖Gollum's appearance and the riddle game were unexpected and highly appreciated highlights.
Insights
1Exceptional Action Choreography and CGI Blending
The hosts were particularly impressed by the goblin pit escape sequence, noting its well-choreographed action, creative use of the environment, and seamless blend of CGI with practical shots. This technical prowess made the scene feel real and heart-pounding, avoiding the quick cuts that often disorient viewers in modern action films.
The hosts describe the goblin pit scene as 'one of the best action sequences from the films,' praising its creativity, choreography, and the blending of CGI with tight, kinetic shots to make it feel real. They specifically mention the main goblin's mouth and face looking 'really, really good,' like a real person was talking.
2Martin Freeman's Nuanced Portrayal of Bilbo Baggins
Martin Freeman's performance as Bilbo is lauded for its subtle acting, capturing the character's hesitancy, uncertainty, and internal struggle. His portrayal offers a distinct and fresh take on a Hobbit character, differing from Frodo and providing a unique emotional depth as Bilbo grapples with adventure.
The hosts state, 'Martin Freeman as Bilbo is so good... the small subtleties, just the way he's like when he's thinking and he's like making a decision... makes him so perfect for this.' They highlight his 'hesitancies in everything he's doing, the uncertainty, processing everything.'
3Effective Prequel Setup for Lord of the Rings
The film successfully lays groundwork for the Lord of the Rings trilogy by introducing elements like the growing darkness in Mirkwood, the emergence of a Necromancer, and Saruman's early skepticism, hinting at his eventual betrayal. This connection enriches the overall Middle-earth narrative.
The hosts discuss how the film sets up the trilogy with 'the spiders and the the Murkwood being developed' and 'watching Saurroman in that conversation of him being like no Sauron's not back... you start getting that feeling of like, oh, you might be turning traitor already.'
4Gollum's Unexpected and Impressive Return
The hosts were surprised and delighted by Gollum's appearance and the iconic riddle game with Bilbo. Andy Serkis's performance and the updated CGI for Gollum are highly praised, reinforcing the character's visual and emotional impact.
One host exclaims, 'I did not know that Gollum was in this. I didn't even realize that the ring was in was in this.' They praise Andy Serkis as 'still incredible' and the visual work on Gollum as 'even better' than before, enjoying the 'riddle battle.'
Lessons
- Revisit 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' with a focus on its technical achievements in CGI and action choreography, especially the goblin pit sequence.
- Pay attention to Martin Freeman's subtle acting choices as Bilbo Baggins, noting his character's unique journey of self-discovery and courage.
- Analyze how the film carefully sets up narrative elements and character arcs that will be crucial in the subsequent Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Notable Moments
The hosts discuss the goblin pit escape as a highlight, praising its dynamic action and seamless CGI.
This sequence is identified as a standout example of the film's technical and creative strengths, showcasing Peter Jackson's ability to craft engaging, large-scale action.
The riddle game between Bilbo and Gollum is highlighted as a surprising and enjoyable segment.
This scene not only brings back an iconic character but also showcases Bilbo's quick wit and adaptability, marking a pivotal moment in his character development and the acquisition of the One Ring.
Gandalf's 'tenth man' analogy from World War Z is used to describe his role in the council, questioning the prevailing peace.
This analogy effectively illustrates Gandalf's foresight and his crucial role as a dissenting voice against complacency, highlighting his wisdom and the looming threat of evil in Middle-earth.
Quotes
"It's nice when an addition to a known thing utilizes the same soundtrack. Similar to the soundtrack. It's because you get that kind of nostalgic feel."
"The world is not in your books and maps. It's up there."
"The cuts weren't too quick. Yes, there were enough cuts where you know you're in the action and things are going on, but we had enough wide shots where you can actually see things happening, which to me, man, when we're in too tight and there's a lot going on and you're also cutting back and forth, it's just like takes you out of it, but this was very, very cohesive action scene."
"Gandalf be knowing when Galadriel hit him with the you already knew and his little like coetish look to Gadriel. I'm like all right Gandalf. Everybody needs a wise wizard guiding the party and making sure everybody gets to where they're going."
Q&A
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