Thoughts on The Hobbit

As titled, these are my thoughts on The Hobbit movie... in three+ parts.

Part I: In which I explain that I am indeed aware that I recently posted about this same subject...
I know, I know... I JUST posted about The Hobbit. So I apologize for two similar posts in the near vicinity of each other... I just thought I'd share my thoughts on the movie before I became busy and forgot to do it.

I really enjoyed The Hobbit... BUT... it was pretty violent (hence, the PG-13 rating). Also, the movie contained many extra scenes as well as characters that were not in the book. Though I'm not a Tolkien purist (that I know of, at least), I have been rereading and enjoying the book recently was looking forward to seeing a movie that stuck fairly close to the said book...

Part II, a fairly detailed mini-review containing lots of spoilers. *SPOILER ALERT! PROCEED NO FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR SPOILERS FOR THE HOBBIT*

A Comparison: Some parts of the movie seemed as if they came straight from the book and were just as fun and lighthearted. Other parts, however, seemed like rehashes of the best scenes from the last movies (people falling off cliffs and getting pulled back up; orcs on wargs; the same music playing when Gandalf says something wise (that was actually kind of cool, though), people falling and getting caught by eagles, etc.).

Other parts, however (like the "Pale Orc"), almost seemed like creative fanfic. The Hobbit as a book was successful without the newly added parts, so why add twists and extra characters to a storyline that is already a classic? Also, the addition of the mysterious stone (whose name escapes me) seems like a new rendition of the Ring, even though The Hobbit tells the story of the Ring, and how it came to Bilbo... NOTE: I did a little more research into the "differences between the book and movie" and discovered added aspects like the "pale orc" are actually some of Tolkien's creations mentioned in the appendix. However, these were my initial thoughts as a teenage girl who enjoys literature, has read The Hobbit and enjoys Lord of the Rings but is not one of those people who speaks Elvish, has read the books more than 10 times and has memorized the appendixes. ;)

Epicness (or not): When I read both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings one summer, the latter seemed much more lighthearted and fun than the latter. The Hobbit is, as the copy of the book that I read announces on its cover, "the enchanting prelude". I don't think The Hobbit movie needs to match Lord of the Rings in violence, darkness or intensity. Bilbo's adventure about helping dwarves reclaim their homeland does not need to be made on the same scale as the story of saving Middle-Earth. I personally think that The Hobbit would not me less epic if it contained less violence and darkness than its trilogy counterpart. And occasionally, I think that perhaps there is just as much epicness - perhaps even more - to be had in the little things in life (things that hobbits would appreciate) than in grand and violent battles.

Stuff I liked: The Hobbit did have some wonderful moments. My favorite was when Bilbo could've killed Gollum, but he chose to show him mercy, probably remembering Gandalf's words from earlier in the movie...

Bilbo: I have never used a sword in my life.

Gandalf: And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one.

Bilbo allowing Gollum to live was a beautiful scene, and one much needed amidst the dramatic and bloody battle scenes and skirmishes.

Bilbo also attempts to leave the expedition several times, feeling unwanted, unneeded and out of place. He repeatedly misses his home, as he does in the book. But he chooses to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland because he comes to understand that they need a home, just like he does. However, the end gets super cliche-ish when Thorin, who has grumped about having Bilbo along, finally acknowledges that Bilbo was needed.

Part III: A conclusion (of sorts)
As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy the movie. But, I wish the movie would've stuck closer to the book. I think if it had done so, it would be more original and be able to stand on its own two furry hobbit feet, instead of relying on re-hashes of moments from Lord of the Rings to fulfill its recipe of "epicness".

Also, I thought the violence was rather overdone. As I was watching the movie, though I did not know it, havoc and heartbreak were raging in Connecticut as parents and siblings grieved the loss of their children / siblings. Though I'm not saying violent movies are the cause of violence in our society today, I just found it almost ironic, and a little sickening, that I could be watching violence for fun, or entertainment, when real people, real, living, breathing and feeling people, were suffering because of violence. Granted, the violence in The Hobbit is good against evil, done the classic way - handsome [dwarf] men against creepy and evil villains. The violence done in the school in Connecticut was not good against evil, it was and evil act being done against the helpless. I guess it's just my humble opinion that maybe a little more lighthearted charm could've sparked a smile in a dark and depraved world, instead of minutes upon minutes of battle scenes that seemed more numerous, extraneous, and lengthier than those in Lord of the Rings.

More thoughts and the actual conclusion: The Hobbit had some great moments. I also enjoyed the introduction, seeing Frodo and Bilbo as they were before Frodo went on his own unexpected adventure. But I don't think The Hobbit will have the same place in my heart as The Lord of the Rings. I will admit that I'm excited for the next two Hobbit movies and will probably get some hobbit action figures and merchandise. But I am not as excited or supportive of this movie as I might've been, had it been a little more... hobbit-like.

And now, it's your turn to talk! Did you see the movie? What did you think? Please share your thoughts!

Also, please do not forget to pray for the families in Connecticut!

And, in case I don't post before then... have a merry CHRISTmas as you celebrate Jesus' birth! May this time be filled with love, joy and celebration as you focus on Him.

"Klarabelle"