One Hobbit To End Them All

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies Is A Surprisingly Exciting Finale 

ON CONTINUITY

ARTH VADER (AV): In what has likely been described as a horrific re-interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel that chronicles gentle Bilbo’s discovery of Sauron’s ring of power, The hobbit films have been a mish–mash of too much CGI, over-inflated plot and drawn-out story telling. Tolkien’s grand prequel to the great ‘war of the ring’ has been studied in middle-schools and high schools all over the world for nearly 40 years. The continuity of this film with it’s two predecessors is in alignment, though they have scant little to do with the original content but lets face it, these days that just doesn’t matter anymore, does it Pontificator? 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): There is little to discuss here with regards to continuity Vader, since the films left the books a long time ago. Legolas is not even in the Hobbit, nor is Tauriel…but it was still entertaining to see them in this film. If it’s about accuracy to the book…we’ll have to read the book. This film was not made for accuracy, but to deliver entertainment and rake in dollars, and it does a modicum both.

CASTING, DIRECTION & ACTING 

AV: Nothing really new on the casting front for this film, old friend. The acting was solid, as each character reprises their roles from the previous films with some interesting introspection from Richard (Thorin Oakenshield) Armitage and Benedict (Dr. Strange) Cumberbach; as both the dragon Smaug and the frightening Necromancer. In his portrayal of the Dwarf lord struggling with his own inner turmoil, Armitage puts on a somewhat cardboard but nonetheless convincing tortured soul, adding to the old adage ‘heavy is the head that wears the crown.’ 

One thing that must be reiterated is how much of a master Peter Jackson is at depicting epic battles where massive armies collide, pan in, bring us into the battle up close and personal and then back out, is breathtaking. 

TP: There is really nothing to say concerning the casting and acting in this film–both were superb. I was especially pleased with Thorin (Richard Armitage) and Bard (Luke Evans). The directing could have been better though as I had some issues with the way the battle unfolded but I’ll get into that later.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: Here is where every Lord of The Rings film excels, P-Man. The opening engagement with Smaug The Terrible is CGI at its finest. While not breaking any new ground in the digital visual effects arena, the entire film is as impressive as ever. Say what you want about Jackson’s film making but these films are a wonder to behold. From the fantastic beasts to the grotesque monsters, movie-goers will be astounded at how good these films look. 

TP: We all should be very familiar with what to expect for effects in these Middle-Earth films…and this film delivers, although because of the subject of the the film, I had higher expectations than normal. The CGI was superb and the costuming was second to none, however, with that said… there is so much more that could have been done given we had an army of Elves that should have been doing all the things we have come to expect from watching Legolas (although Legolas is exceptional, regular Elves are also extremely impressive).

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: I must confess, that after the last film (The Desolation of Smaug) I was very much expecting another visually compelling flop. What we got was a pretty good action flick, but one devoid of story, dialogue, and ultimately merit. What this says to me is we got exactly what many thought we were going to get—a long, drawn-out over-indulgent, over-blown and over-the-top series of films that told in nearly eight hours what should have taken about half that time. The Hollywood self-inflicted formula of three-film trilogy franchises makes great sense to investors, producers and the studios, Not so much for film integrity. Fantasy film giants like George Lucas (prequel trilogy) or Peter Jackson (LOTR) seem to take truly landmark works and destroy their own legacies. It’s very literally snatching defeat form the jaws of victory. And Pontificator, it is so demoralizing. How say you? 

TP: Battle of the Five Armies had me expecting to see the most epic fight scenes… ever. I mean, both “300” films and “Troy” stand out for the fights and battles. Now I’m not suggesting that there be more blood and gore, that would have detracted from the film, but I am suggesting that Jackson should have taken FULL advantage of presenting an ARMY of Elves. Why didn’t we see wave upon wave of Orcs being obliterated by the more agile and skilled Elves? Look at all the Elves armed with bows and realize there is not a single arrow shot from them during the entire forty-five minutes of battle. Although there was a great showing for the Dwarven King, there should have been incredible showings for any Elf on screen. I just didn’t get the sense that the Elves were the absolute elite and most feared combatants on Middle-Earth, and that’s exactly what anyone watching the film should have gotten…from the battle, not the formation displays before the battle.

Also, where was the resolution at the end? Did the Elves get what they came to mountain for? Did the men get what was promised? Why did the battle end when the good guys were so clearly outnumbered…even with the introduction if the Eagles? There were just too many open questions the battle created instead of resolutions to the problems at hand. Am I also the only one that noticed the premier Orcs were played by indigenous New Zealanders’ Manu Bennet and John Tui (message?)?

ON SEQUELS 

AV: While I have (mostly) enjoyed each LOTR film installment, I don’t need anymore. 

Seriously.

Thank you for the wonderful experiences Mr. Jackson, I'm happy we went there and back again with you. Now lets just move on shall we? I’m sure Mr. Jackson has more tales to spin and this Tolkien world / franchise has been tapped out. That said, I vote ‘no’ to further Hobbit-flavored sequels. P-Man? 

TP: I second that vote Vader! It seems the Tolkien family has the rights to the Silmarillion so we won’t be seeing any film adaption to that any time soon. Given the way the Elves were treated in this film, that’s probably a good thing. I’m against any notion to start making up Middle-Earth stories just for films (although that works fine for video games). 

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: The best thing I can (probably) say about this film – and hopefully the franchise – is that its over. This last film was a fun watch from a visual effects standpoint but it was a hot mess, no story and even less reason for being. I'm happy to have seen them all and I’m done. Still, the movie could have been worse (hardly a selling point) so for that, I give Battle of the Five Armies a fitting five (5) Busted Blocks.

THE PONTIFICATOR rates The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies: A good film with superb acting and great effects. Out of all the Hobbit films, this should have been the one to blow the doors off the hinges. Instead I came away with a sense of unfulfilled opportunity and thoughts how it could have been better. That alone has this film cleaving only seven (7) busted blocks as the rest escape in battle. 

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies 6 /10 Busted Blocks

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a real (complicated) treasure

With dragons, leaping elves and frightening creatures aplenty, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is ablaze with thrilling over-the-top fantasy adventure. 

ON CONTINUITY

ARTH VADER (AV): J.R.R. Tolkien’s world—and the the books and films that comprise it—are the very definition of continuity. While the Hobbit is one of the most beloved and famous fantasy properties of the 20th century, The Desolation of Smaug is the second of three movies to weave the cinematic take of the Hobbit. The movie breathes new, expanded life into Tolkien’s rich pre-ring war world. As a powerful prequel to The Lord of The Rings trilogy, this film really draws out wondrous beauty of Middle-Earth. 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): I said earlier in the review of the first film about how excited I was that they were making three movies from a single book, and this could really delve into the detail of the book to make the movie as close to the book as possible. Boy was I wrong. I’m a huge fan of Legolas… but he doesn’t appear anywhere in the book. Why then is he so prominent in the film? I enjoyed his parts, but every one was a slap in the face of continuity.

CASTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING

AV: Pontificator, the cast features a return of all the players from film one. With a couple of new faces (and voices!) we just have to discuss. First, the characters are, for the most part, one-dimensional. The story telling demands it, and I am ok with it with a cast almost too deep to keep track of, the only new character we really should discuss is the massive dragon, Smaug. Voiced with the infallible voice of Benedict Cumberbatch. Next, we should discuss the rich, unspoiled landscapes of New Zealand, which I am convinced, is a little slice elf heaven on Earth. Like each of Director Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings master pieces, this film features breathtaking landscapes as well as heart-stopping, beautifully rendered CGI environments. More on that in a moment. Because we have to talk about Peter Jackson’s direction. A master of cinematic brilliance, Peter Jackson knows how to engage his audience and delight us with visuals I'm only barely able to be described. Jackson’s cinematic visuals are almost as fantastic as the stories he tells, would you agree, P-Man? 

TP: I certainly agree Vader. The cast from the first film have returned, with a few additions. As expected, Martin Freeman continues to deliver as Bilbo. Richard Armitage continues to make Thorin a character that is interesting. Enter now Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, a Wood Elf and Captain of the Guard, wonderfully played and interestingly used in a love triangle between Legolas and Kili (Aidan Turner). I was especially appreciative of the talent of Luke Evans as Bard, and excellent portrayal. I must admit to being remiss to the fact that Azog, the Orc chieftain and bane of the Dwarves is played by none other than Manu Bennet (Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke the Terminator on the television series Arrow).

SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: In an age when visual effects are beyond stunning, this film is just plain gorgeous Ponty. The environments, the character effects and the fantastic creatures all come to vibrant life. And that’s where the real magic of The Desolation Of Smaug comes to life. Cumberbatch’s hauntingly inspired voice over of the dragon Smaug is some of the best voice work in the history fantasy films. What’s more, the incredible scene where Bilbo (Martin Freeman) is slyly conversing with the dragon makes this whole movie and is honestly worth the price of admission. The lighting, the synchronicity of the creature’s movements and the audio effects of the dragon moving through a veritable sea of gems, coins and treasure is awesome. The cinematic presentation of Smaug is stunning and is quite honestly, for me old friend, the best part of this film. By far.

TP: Before I even get into how great the special effects were (cause you KNOW that’s what I’m going to say), let me just reiterate; if you’re not seeing this film in IMAX 3D, you are doing yourself a disservice and should be criminally prosecuted by the pleasure center of your brain in the court of perceptual euphoria. Yes, read all that again and understand that special effects were perfected for films like this…or this is the perfect film for awesome special effects (pick one). All the awe of the first film’s effects return, but with one added feature… Smaug! In one word… incredible!

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: After five films, Middle Earth is still wondrous, Ponty but I must say, the magic is waning. Look this movie is a s cool-looking as they get and the usual suspects; Gandalf, the Dwarves, Lady Galadriel yeah, they’re all here but Pontificator, but I gotta say, not feeling this one. Sure it looks great, but the oddities, while subtle, as plentiful. An older-looking (but decidedly younger per the story) Legolas (Orlando Bloom), the over-the-top—and way too long—river fight chase where CGI’d Elves and Orcs battle by the banks of a fast-moving river filled with wine barrels that are whisking our heroes on their adventure is surprisingly amateurish and not well-handled. The story pacing is sporadic but the biggest hole is in how long and drawn out the story is. Tolkien wrote the Hobbit as a quick, world-building prequel. Peter Jackson’s storytelling notwithstanding, this movie tells a story that may be too long and too convoluted for even the most ardent Tolkien fan. This movie is good but I fear looses the audience in too much lore. Ponty, your take? 

TP: This film had the opportunity for total perfection Vader. I mean, when you take the time to break down a book into a trilogy of three hour films, you have a unique opportunity to have the book read, visually and in great detail, on the silver screen. I think that opportunity was missed in deference to trying draw more people to the box office through character recognition, hence the inclusion of Legolas into a story he was never a part of. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the film anyway and thought his parts were among the most entertaining, but I think the film could have been just as good without deviating so much from the source material. If liberties were to be taken in the film, then I fail to see why they could not have been taken by those characters already a part of the story instead of making such blatant and obvious additions. 

ON SEQUELS

AV: Well, after a cliff-hanger ending like the one that this movie leaves us in, the next installment is sure to be flying in on the wings of a football field-sized dragon. This elongated story will come to it’s pre-determined climax Christmas of 2014 and Ponty, I am really excited to see how this all comes together for Bilbo and his home–seeking band of brave elves. 

TP: I said it in the last review of The Hobbit and I’ll repeat it now… I’m really looking forward to the multi-army battle galore that will take place in 2014!  I have been waiting, since opening day, to see how the Battle of Five Armies will play out onscreen and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be absolutely epic.

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug: This movie is fun, big and bold and like all of Jackson’s Middle-Earth sojourns, the audience will not be disappointed at the feature. While the much anticipated prequel of the ‘war of the ring’ is fun, the whole story getting a bit long in the tooth. Still, with eye-popping 3D effects (definitely worth it by the way) and wonder to behold, you would be missing out NOT to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in theaters. That’s why this humble fan reaches into the treasure room of the lonely mountain and pull out eight (8) solid, if not slightly busted blocks.

THE PONTIFICATOR rates The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: I’m an absolute fan of these films and will never understand the mental workings of those that aren’t, although I fully accept the phenomenon. Despite the slight departure from the source material, this film is a visual and audio blockbuster of the highest order and easily takes prominence as one of the best films of the year. Even though it feels like a middle movie, this Middle Earth installment still drives an Elvish sword through nine (9) blocks.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: 8.5 / 10 Busted Blocks

Great Expectations

Peter Jackson's highly anticipated prequel opens up a deeper view of Middle-Earth in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

ON CONTINUITY
 

ARTH VADER (AV): I happen to be a lover of (almost) all things Tolkien, Pontificator. The Hobbit is one of the most beloved stories from my childhood. Filled with tragic characters, loss and a never-ending quest for righting generational wrongs. Thus The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is riveting return to Peter Jackson's vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. The Hobbit is a near-flawless–if not somewhat heavy-handed–portrayl of Middle-Earth. Jackson has a woven a seamlessly rich story of with a complex cast of characters who weave together in a fantastic tapestry that delights and helps bring Tolkien middle-Earth alive once again.I was giddy in the theater for this one, Pontificator!

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): I have a feeling that we are going to agree on almost everything about this movie Vader. I remember reading the book in my younger years and being enthralled by Tolkien’s imagery and the wonder that was Middle-Earth. This movie has brought all that to life... and then some. I’m extremely excited at how closely the movie(s) will be to the book as they are making three movies off one book, unlike the previous trilogy where they made just one movie per book.

CASTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING
 

AV: Some familiar faces grace the screen in The Hobbit. The familiar faces of Gandalf, (old) Bilbo, Lady Galadriel, Elrond, the bitter and sinister Gollum and even Frodo–all characters from The massively successful and popular The Lord of The Rings (LoTR) trilogy–reprise their roles in a story that takes place 60+ years before the final war of the One Ring. Peter Jackson certainly has a knack for casting what seems near flawless characterizations of the movie's characters. The new characters, and the depiction of Thorin Oakenshield is better than the image I had conjured in my head as a teenager when I first read this novel.

Direction? Gold. The scenes of the shire, the images of the Dwarfen kingdom in the misty mountains and the especially the idyllic paradise of Rivendale, all are breathtaking to behold. If you don't go as a fan, go to for the visually stunning landscapes, too numerous to mention here. 

TP: The casting was half done already with so many returning characters, but the other half was just as brilliant! Martin Freeman was an excellent choice for Bilbo and delivers the goods. He’s funny, grounded and fearful...all at the same time. Richard Armitage brings Thorin Oakenshield to life and makes him even more heroic and commanding than in the book. Graham McTavish has made Dwalin a character to remember...right from the beginning and has asserted his skill. I’m anxious to see the growth of Peter Hambleton’s character, Gloin...being the father of the beloved Gimli from Lord of the Rings. If I really have to comment on the directing...then you, dear reader, haven’t been paying attention to the LoTR phenomenon...or Vader.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: 
 

AV: Weta Workshop (WW) rivals it's industry rival, the Lucasfilm special effects juggernaut known to the world as Industrial Light an Magic (ILM). Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks and ILM had single-handidly corner the special and visual effects markets forever. Since the release of LoTR, King Kong, Avatar and a host of other effects-rich movies, WW has established itself as a dominant player in the visual effects arena. The Hobbit and it's incredible creatures, characters and landscapes, has brought to life a world that before could only be imagined or animated. The stunning camera-work keeps the audience immersed as the SF/X is a continuous reminder that "we ain't in Kansas anymore". How say you P-Man?

TP: How can this movie be anything but a special effects juggernaut? Quite simply, it can’t. Very few movies simply blow your mind away with the visuals, but this film does just that... from the very beginning! I sat in awe, absolutely stunned at the Dwarvin Kingdom. My jaw didn’t leave the floor until the first knock on Bilbo’s door... but it quickly dropped again soon after. The Hobbit has learned from the previous films and delivered a perfect visual and effects display that is on par with the best that has ever been on the silver screen.

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK:

AV: While I am hard pressed to find ANY significant flaw in The Hobbit, I feel it prudent to discuss something that has caught the fan-boy universe of speculative rumor by storm. As we know, Jackson made each book in the LoTR trilogy into a single film. Arguably, one of the greatest feats in modern film making as each of those books could easily spawn a couple of movies unto themselves. So why is it that The Hobbit is on its own a three movie effort? Personally, I don't care. Anything furthers creative and imaginative efforts like this; I say make them–make a hundred of them, heck, make ten thousand! The story is re-told with some embellishment but good God they are beautiful and filled with such fantastic imagery, I would be along for a lot longer ride than three films.

It's well-known that Hollywood selfishly creates trilogies so audiences return for familiar brand name entertainment franchises. The more they can keep great movies in front of us the more money they can make. So what. Because, in the words of my dear friend, The Pontificator, I will always 'be an ardent fan of the cinematic arts.'

TP: I have just been quoted by one of the greats... another testament to how awesome this film is!

I also couldn’t find any flaws Vader, but honestly, I was so swept away I doubt they would have registered anyway. It was a question for me as well the fact that this book sparked three films while the other three only translated into three. Logically, we should have gotten nine films out of the LoTR... but oh well. This movie had it all. The humor was vibrant, injected perfectly in the pace of the film. The action was plentiful and riveting... and the drama was poignant enough to make us care about what happens to these characters.

ON SEQUELS:
 

AV: This one's a shoe-in. Next holiday season, the follow-up film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will be in theaters to delight and bewilder us once again. And for anyone who has read The Hobbit, the fearsome and terrible fire-breathing dragon, Smaug is headed for epic showdown with Bilbo and his merry band of Dwarfs as they try to win back their ancestral home under the Lonely Mountain. The Hobbit: There and Back Again, part three, is slated for release for the 2014 holiday season. I await the next installment with baited (dragon's) breath!

TP: What Vader said. No really... my thoughts about the sequels has already been written above. Ok... I’ll add that I’m looking forward to the Smaug confrontation... but I’m really looking forward to the multi-army battle galore that will take place in 2014!

RATE IT! 

ARTH VADER rates The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: I can't say enough how delightful and beautiful this movie is. If you are a passive fan or don't really enjoy movies with deep, rich meaning and content, you may want to avoid this one. At close to three hours, Jackson pulls no punches delving us deeper in to the history of Middle-Earth and assumes you are paying attention through every scene. A fantastic, fun-filled fantasy perfect for the whole family, I give The Hobbit an unexpected (but well deserved) nine busted blocks. 

THE PONTIFICATOR rates The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: I can’t see how anyone isn’t a fan of these films, but understand that such people exist. Fortunately, I’m not one of them and the joy I get from watching these visual masterpieces highlights why life is so great. This film comes roaring out the gate and runs away with your imagination, taking it on an “unexpected” journey (I actually expected it). I also expected to bust the nine blocks it did... although I’m not sure they weren’t Trolls instead.

The Hobbit–An Unexpected Journey: 9/10 Busted Blocks