- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
-
3 out of 5
Following the hit Lord of the Rings trilogy, director Peter Jackson travels further back through the history of Middle-earth to tell the rather rambling story of Bilbo Baggins. Martin Freeman plays the titular hobbit with curmudgeonly charm, as he reluctantly leaves home to join a band of dwarves led by Thorin (Richard Armitage doing mean and moody) on a quest to reclaim territory. Ian McKellen makes an amusing double-act with Freeman as the wizard Gandalf, who nudges him into action. Still, it takes a while before the story gets going and the pace suffers thanks to a diversion into Thorin's backstory. Jackson's decision to split the book across three films means he struggles to impose an orderly structure, but he does deliver extraordinary set pieces such as a battle between stone giants and a fateful encounter with Gollum. Of course, Andy Serkis's vivid turn, full of humour and pathos, is deftly captured. The action is heightened with a superfast camera, but crystal clarity doesn't lend itself to a storybook aesthetic. Overall, it's a rocky road with some spectacular views, but you're left feeling there's a long way to go.
Plot Summary
Unassuming hobbit Bilbo Baggins is pulled out of his comfortable life when Gandalf the wizard volunteers him for a dangerous quest. He joins a party of dwarves who are on a mission to reclaim their lost homeland, which has been taken over by a dragon. The first part of Peter Jackson's fantasy adventure trilogy based on JRR Tolkien's novel, starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Bilbo Baggins
- Martin Freeman
- Galadriel
- Cate Blanchett
- Legolas
- Orlando Bloom
- Frodo
- Elijah Wood
- Gandalf the Grey
- Ian McKellen
- Saruman
- Christopher Lee
- Gollum
- Andy Serkis
- Bofur
- James Nesbitt
- Elrond
- Hugo Weaving
- Master of Laketown
- Stephen Fry
- Thorin Oakenshield
- Richard Armitage
- Old Bilbo
- Ian Holm
- Kili
- Aidan Turner
- Radagast
- Sylvester McCoy
- Balin
- Ken Stott
- Beorn
- Mikael Persbrandt
- Bard
- Luke Evans
- Tauriel
- Evangeline Lilly
- Dain Ironfoot
- Billy Connolly
- Great Goblin
- Barry Humphries
Crew
- Director
- Peter Jackson
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