So, finally saw THE HOBBIT...
Jan. 4th, 2013 03:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladyofleithian...and I loved it! :D I seriously loved it. :)
Trailers that I got:
-Oblivion: Looks pretty awesome so far. I think that the concept sounds pretty interesting, at least.
-Star Trek: Into Darkness: Already saw the trailer, but it really doesn't lose its punch. I know that the shot of the ENTERPRISE rising out of the water really gets to me just because of how awesome it looks. It's not a matter of special effects over story as some people who've seen the trailer have accused the movie of being (which I'll admit I think is ridiculous. I mean...come on. You can't judge a movie's quality from the trailer alone) -- honestly, one thing that I love about stories is when they manage to have a specific sort of weight. The grand moments, the sense of adventure -- the sense of jeopardy. Honestly, I'll admit I'm still curious about the identity of the villain, John Harrison -- what does he want, things like that. Then again, I guess I'll really find out when I go to see the movie.
-Pacific Rim: Fucking. Terrifying. Something about the monsters is probably going to haunt my nightmares.
-Beautiful Creatures: I really don't care what the Cinema Snob says, this looks fantastic. I remember reading this book a while back and loving it, and so I can't wait to see it translated to the big screen.
The movie experience:
-As a lot of you no doubt know, I am a huge fan of Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS movies. Seriously; he's pretty much been my film idol for years. The grand scope of the LOTR films, the grand sense of adventure, the honest emotion, the characters -- not to mention I think he adapted the books to the big screen flawlessly. And there was something about just sitting there, watching the opening credits fade in, that put me back to first watching the LORD OF THE RINGS films. I know that seeing Frodo showing up again gave me a lot of feels (because I love Frodo. :), as well as seeing Galadriel, Elrond and Saruman again. Not to mention that I was completely engrossed in the film; the action sequences, the quiet dramatic sequences, things like that. I think the only thing I really disliked about the film was when it ended, because honestly? I wanted to see more. My mom and my aunt loved it too.
Things I loved:
-The prologue. Seriously, a wonderful prologue. And even though we couldn't really see Smaug...honestly, I think that kind of added to the menace.
-Older!Bilbo talking with Frodo while putting up the party decorations in regards to his birthday party. And Frodo trying to peek over Bilbo's shoulder and see what he was writing; I thought that was kind of cute. :)
-The anecdote that Gandalf told about Bilbo's great-great uncle.
-"That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!" One of my favorite scenes from THE HOBBIT, and they really did it justice. I mean, it's brilliant. XD
-Martin Freeman was a brilliant Bilbo. Enough said. Hell, as par for the course with the LORD OF THE RINGS films, everyone was brilliantly cast.
-Gandalf's line: "Courage is not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare it." It's something so small, and yet it meant a lot to me, especially considering...well, we need more heroes that abide by that sort of rule. I mean, violence? Violence is pretty damn easy. Mercy's a lot harder. And I think it ties in beautifully with LORD OF THE RINGS with what he told Frodo about Gollum.
-The Misty Mountain song. Already wonderful in the trailer, but they really did it justice in the movie. And considering the backstory behind it and all... *Sniffles*
-Thorin. I'll admit, I was a little bit worried about how they were going to adapt him to the big screen (just the initial jitters, really, nothing more) and I was wondering how well Richard Armitage would portray Thorin (I mostly knew him from Robin Hood), but honestly, they did beautifully. Richard Armitage did beautifully, really -- I think he did a wonderful job at portraying a Thorin so damaged from having his home, his grandfather, etc. taken from him, who had his doubts about Bilbo before finally accepting him into the group.
+ Bilbo learning about Thorin's backstory. Heartbreaking, with some awesome moments in between (e.g. Thorin fighting Azog the Goblin with an oak shield), but mostly heartbreaking. Especially that one line about there being no feast after their victory in defeating the goblins because the loss was too great. That, accompanied by the music, just broke my heart. And Thranduil turning away from the battle instead of coming to help (I mean, granted, considering his situation in the books and all, he had his reasons, but still -- yeah, let's just say his meeting with Thorin's going to be pretty explosive).
* Also, Thorin's talk with Gandalf before they meet with Elrond.
+ Honestly, I think Thorin's definitely one of the best examples of being The Woobie. I mean, losing his family, losing his home, things like that -- I just wanted to hug him, really. My mom kind of did too, in a way -- even though she didn't like how he treated Bilbo.
-The storm. Also, the rock-biter-like creatures fighting one another.
+ The dwarves saving Bilbo from basically falling into hell during the storm. Frightening, but really well-done.
-The trolls. Enough said. (Also, am I the only one who was reminded of the sharks from FINDING NEMO? Something about the accents) Especially Bilbo's Hurricane of Excuses in regards to them, and his eye roll at the dwarves taking offense to the whole "they have parasites" thing. And one of the trolls thinking he sneezed out Bilbo. XD Honestly, I felt really, really sad when they turned to stone, just because they were so entertaining. XD
-Gandalf and Galadriel talking. Something about their conversation just gave me a lot of feels, especially when Galadriel reassures him after Gandalf fails to persuade the High Council about the Necromancer, and Gandalf's reasons for having faith in Bilbo. And Galadriel reassuring him not to be afraid. Seriously, Gandalf and Galadriel? Brotp, man. Brotp. (And I have new appreciation for Galadriel. Seriously)
+ Also, Gandalf's words about evil not being defeated by brute strength, but by the everyday acts of kindness by people like Bilbo. Another quote that really means a lot to me.
* And on another note, the subtle hints that there's nothing quite right about Saruman.
-Radagast. Enough said. Especially the fact that his chariot is pulled by rabbits. How awesome is that? Also, the near miss with the spiders, and him taking care of that little injured hedgehog. I dunno; I just found it kind of a weird CMOH. And...honestly, every scene he was in, he pretty much stole. I mean, I can't say I cared much about Radagast in the books, but Radagast in the movies? He was brilliant. Hilarious, awesome, kind -- just brilliant!
+ While I really hated Saruman's treatment of Radagast (it kind of felt like kicking the dog, really), I'll admit that his snarking about Radagast and mushrooms was pretty funny. (Um, Mr. Kettle? There's a Mr. Pot on the line; he wants to speak with you)
-Radagast meeting with the uncloaked Witch King in Dol Guldur. Seriously frightening. Also, the matter of the Necromancer. *Shudders* And the spiders. (I'm not even an arachnophobe, but...*double shudders*)
+ The meeting with the White Council in regards to Dol Guldur and everything. Frustrating for the right reasons, really -- just the fact that even bringing out the Witch King's sword didn't seem to convince them...argh!
-Bilbo attempting to leave the group, and his conversation with Bofur. Seriously, heartbreaking (I know I was pretty much like, "No, Bilbo, you can't do this, you can't!") but seriously well-done.
-Gollum! :D Seriously, I love Gollum -- Andy Serkis was the perfect Gollum. And his interaction with Bilbo was perfect. And his entrance -- I love how the filmmakers took advantage of Sting's glowing to alert us that that goblin in the mines with Bilbo is pretty much dead as a doornail. Not to mention the filmmakers did a great job at making him terrifying and pitiable at the same time. "Riddles in the Dark" is another one of my favorite moments from the book, and they captured it brilliantly.
+ And later, Bilbo sparing his life. I'll admit, that nearly made me cry.
-The Wargs look wonderful. Especially Azog's white Warg.
-Azog. Seriously, Azog just scared the living shit out of me.
-Bilbo taking a level in badass and charging at Azog after the latter knocks out Thorin. And the dwarves joining in.
+ Gandalf's innovation of using fire to fight off the goblins and such.
* The eagles! Seriously, great to see them again.
-The escape from the mines. Just...Crowning Moment of Crazy Awesome, all around.
-The moments of humor in between, e.g. the goblin king landing on top of the dwarves after they've basically, um...sort of sledded to the bottom on pieces of the bridge, accompanied with Dwalin's snarky "You've got to be joking!"
-And from the department of Peter-Jackson-and-co-trolling-the-audience, Thorin's near-death experience. Especially when Gandalf revives him, and Bilbo runs over to him to make sure that he's all right. Then Thorin apologizing to Bilbo for doubting him, and hugging him. Just...*hugs them both*
-The Sequel Hook with Smaug. Terrifying, but really well-done.
So, overall? Loved it. Definitely recommended. :)
Trailers that I got:
-Oblivion: Looks pretty awesome so far. I think that the concept sounds pretty interesting, at least.
-Star Trek: Into Darkness: Already saw the trailer, but it really doesn't lose its punch. I know that the shot of the ENTERPRISE rising out of the water really gets to me just because of how awesome it looks. It's not a matter of special effects over story as some people who've seen the trailer have accused the movie of being (which I'll admit I think is ridiculous. I mean...come on. You can't judge a movie's quality from the trailer alone) -- honestly, one thing that I love about stories is when they manage to have a specific sort of weight. The grand moments, the sense of adventure -- the sense of jeopardy. Honestly, I'll admit I'm still curious about the identity of the villain, John Harrison -- what does he want, things like that. Then again, I guess I'll really find out when I go to see the movie.
-Pacific Rim: Fucking. Terrifying. Something about the monsters is probably going to haunt my nightmares.
-Beautiful Creatures: I really don't care what the Cinema Snob says, this looks fantastic. I remember reading this book a while back and loving it, and so I can't wait to see it translated to the big screen.
The movie experience:
-As a lot of you no doubt know, I am a huge fan of Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS movies. Seriously; he's pretty much been my film idol for years. The grand scope of the LOTR films, the grand sense of adventure, the honest emotion, the characters -- not to mention I think he adapted the books to the big screen flawlessly. And there was something about just sitting there, watching the opening credits fade in, that put me back to first watching the LORD OF THE RINGS films. I know that seeing Frodo showing up again gave me a lot of feels (because I love Frodo. :), as well as seeing Galadriel, Elrond and Saruman again. Not to mention that I was completely engrossed in the film; the action sequences, the quiet dramatic sequences, things like that. I think the only thing I really disliked about the film was when it ended, because honestly? I wanted to see more. My mom and my aunt loved it too.
Things I loved:
-The prologue. Seriously, a wonderful prologue. And even though we couldn't really see Smaug...honestly, I think that kind of added to the menace.
-Older!Bilbo talking with Frodo while putting up the party decorations in regards to his birthday party. And Frodo trying to peek over Bilbo's shoulder and see what he was writing; I thought that was kind of cute. :)
-The anecdote that Gandalf told about Bilbo's great-great uncle.
-"That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!" One of my favorite scenes from THE HOBBIT, and they really did it justice. I mean, it's brilliant. XD
-Martin Freeman was a brilliant Bilbo. Enough said. Hell, as par for the course with the LORD OF THE RINGS films, everyone was brilliantly cast.
-Gandalf's line: "Courage is not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare it." It's something so small, and yet it meant a lot to me, especially considering...well, we need more heroes that abide by that sort of rule. I mean, violence? Violence is pretty damn easy. Mercy's a lot harder. And I think it ties in beautifully with LORD OF THE RINGS with what he told Frodo about Gollum.
-The Misty Mountain song. Already wonderful in the trailer, but they really did it justice in the movie. And considering the backstory behind it and all... *Sniffles*
-Thorin. I'll admit, I was a little bit worried about how they were going to adapt him to the big screen (just the initial jitters, really, nothing more) and I was wondering how well Richard Armitage would portray Thorin (I mostly knew him from Robin Hood), but honestly, they did beautifully. Richard Armitage did beautifully, really -- I think he did a wonderful job at portraying a Thorin so damaged from having his home, his grandfather, etc. taken from him, who had his doubts about Bilbo before finally accepting him into the group.
+ Bilbo learning about Thorin's backstory. Heartbreaking, with some awesome moments in between (e.g. Thorin fighting Azog the Goblin with an oak shield), but mostly heartbreaking. Especially that one line about there being no feast after their victory in defeating the goblins because the loss was too great. That, accompanied by the music, just broke my heart. And Thranduil turning away from the battle instead of coming to help (I mean, granted, considering his situation in the books and all, he had his reasons, but still -- yeah, let's just say his meeting with Thorin's going to be pretty explosive).
* Also, Thorin's talk with Gandalf before they meet with Elrond.
+ Honestly, I think Thorin's definitely one of the best examples of being The Woobie. I mean, losing his family, losing his home, things like that -- I just wanted to hug him, really. My mom kind of did too, in a way -- even though she didn't like how he treated Bilbo.
-The storm. Also, the rock-biter-like creatures fighting one another.
+ The dwarves saving Bilbo from basically falling into hell during the storm. Frightening, but really well-done.
-The trolls. Enough said. (Also, am I the only one who was reminded of the sharks from FINDING NEMO? Something about the accents) Especially Bilbo's Hurricane of Excuses in regards to them, and his eye roll at the dwarves taking offense to the whole "they have parasites" thing. And one of the trolls thinking he sneezed out Bilbo. XD Honestly, I felt really, really sad when they turned to stone, just because they were so entertaining. XD
-Gandalf and Galadriel talking. Something about their conversation just gave me a lot of feels, especially when Galadriel reassures him after Gandalf fails to persuade the High Council about the Necromancer, and Gandalf's reasons for having faith in Bilbo. And Galadriel reassuring him not to be afraid. Seriously, Gandalf and Galadriel? Brotp, man. Brotp. (And I have new appreciation for Galadriel. Seriously)
+ Also, Gandalf's words about evil not being defeated by brute strength, but by the everyday acts of kindness by people like Bilbo. Another quote that really means a lot to me.
* And on another note, the subtle hints that there's nothing quite right about Saruman.
-Radagast. Enough said. Especially the fact that his chariot is pulled by rabbits. How awesome is that? Also, the near miss with the spiders, and him taking care of that little injured hedgehog. I dunno; I just found it kind of a weird CMOH. And...honestly, every scene he was in, he pretty much stole. I mean, I can't say I cared much about Radagast in the books, but Radagast in the movies? He was brilliant. Hilarious, awesome, kind -- just brilliant!
+ While I really hated Saruman's treatment of Radagast (it kind of felt like kicking the dog, really), I'll admit that his snarking about Radagast and mushrooms was pretty funny. (Um, Mr. Kettle? There's a Mr. Pot on the line; he wants to speak with you)
-Radagast meeting with the uncloaked Witch King in Dol Guldur. Seriously frightening. Also, the matter of the Necromancer. *Shudders* And the spiders. (I'm not even an arachnophobe, but...*double shudders*)
+ The meeting with the White Council in regards to Dol Guldur and everything. Frustrating for the right reasons, really -- just the fact that even bringing out the Witch King's sword didn't seem to convince them...argh!
-Bilbo attempting to leave the group, and his conversation with Bofur. Seriously, heartbreaking (I know I was pretty much like, "No, Bilbo, you can't do this, you can't!") but seriously well-done.
-Gollum! :D Seriously, I love Gollum -- Andy Serkis was the perfect Gollum. And his interaction with Bilbo was perfect. And his entrance -- I love how the filmmakers took advantage of Sting's glowing to alert us that that goblin in the mines with Bilbo is pretty much dead as a doornail. Not to mention the filmmakers did a great job at making him terrifying and pitiable at the same time. "Riddles in the Dark" is another one of my favorite moments from the book, and they captured it brilliantly.
+ And later, Bilbo sparing his life. I'll admit, that nearly made me cry.
-The Wargs look wonderful. Especially Azog's white Warg.
-Azog. Seriously, Azog just scared the living shit out of me.
-Bilbo taking a level in badass and charging at Azog after the latter knocks out Thorin. And the dwarves joining in.
+ Gandalf's innovation of using fire to fight off the goblins and such.
* The eagles! Seriously, great to see them again.
-The escape from the mines. Just...Crowning Moment of Crazy Awesome, all around.
-The moments of humor in between, e.g. the goblin king landing on top of the dwarves after they've basically, um...sort of sledded to the bottom on pieces of the bridge, accompanied with Dwalin's snarky "You've got to be joking!"
-And from the department of Peter-Jackson-and-co-trolling-the-audience, Thorin's near-death experience. Especially when Gandalf revives him, and Bilbo runs over to him to make sure that he's all right. Then Thorin apologizing to Bilbo for doubting him, and hugging him. Just...*hugs them both*
-The Sequel Hook with Smaug. Terrifying, but really well-done.
So, overall? Loved it. Definitely recommended. :)
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no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 08:16 am (UTC)If there's one thing I joke about the movie (I presume you've read the Hobbit, if you haven't, please ignore the following)
The Hobbit showed us it is possible for dwarves to be pretty. Thorin. Kili. Fili. They just die young. It's like being a pretty dwarf is a death sentence.no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 01:30 pm (UTC)And I know, right? Seriously! :D
And yeah, I know what you mean. :( It's really going to hit hard when they die; they were just such lovable characters.
no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 12:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 01:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 05:58 pm (UTC)The escaping the mine section was probably my favourite part, and I kind of loved this hinting at the ring. Like, first they say that people think Bilbo's getting a little weird and then they go back and show him already starting to kind of covet the one ring when he gets it. Nice parallel, imo.
I thought Azog was an orc, though?
I was eagerly awaiting the scene with the eagles. It's been years and years since I read the Hobbit so I can barely remember some parts but the eagles stuck out to me and I was like YES HERE THEY COME :D
no subject
Date: 2013-01-05 09:06 pm (UTC)And thanks. :) And this, seriously! *Can't believe she forgot that*
He is, he is. It's mostly because the movie (and book, I think) calls them goblins there.
And I know, right? :D It was awesome! :D
no subject
Date: 2013-01-06 05:53 am (UTC)Freeman was a fine Bilbo, making the role his own, with no echoes of Frodo that I could see.
no subject
Date: 2013-01-06 03:27 pm (UTC)And this so very much regarding Freeman.
no subject
Date: 2013-01-12 06:00 pm (UTC)I've also uploaded a response to the film, but due to work/some problems with livejournal it hasn't gone live yet. I'll get there eventually. Though.
I dunno, Pacific Rim looked pretty ... bad, really. I mean, great visuals, probably the first live action mechs-vs-aliens movie ever, but the actual story looks bog-standard and boring. The best thing about it, really, was that I saw the trailer on December 21st, and when one of the actors (might've been Idris Elba) said "The apocalypse has been canceled" I was like 'You have no idea how right you are.' (Of course, what probably happened was that the Earth was destroyed all in one go, but then it was put back together again all in one go the next instant, so that worked out all right.)
Yeah, I really wish that thought would get more development. As it is, it tends to get buried under all those fight sequences (as enjoyable as they are).
Sorry if I don't make sense; bit tired.
Date: 2013-01-12 07:14 pm (UTC)And hee -- that's pretty awesome. :3 *Sighs* I think that's definitely one point in 2013's favor; no more worries about the apocalypse. :)
And yeah -- I think it would be cool if they explored it more as well. :)
I mostly meant in the sense that they presented you with the facts and let you decide. Sort of an, "Is he working for Sauron and trying to undermine him? Does he just not believe Gandalf?" Etc, etc. But I know what you mean.
That is true. I think it was mostly there if only to create tension and show just how bleak everything was. (Although yeah...you would think that the Witch King blade would be kind of a tip-off that something's not right?) I'm starting to subscribe to the theory of Saruman's voice ending up having everyone under mind control or something; it's a bit of a stretch, but that's my theory.
I know, right?! :D I mean...seriously, he is *awesome*!
*Reads the link* That's a very good point, I think. I think that the matter of "knowing when to spare a life" was still there, at least -- in terms of Bilbo sparing Gollum's life. That and I think Jackson might have been trying to atone for the seeming wimpification of Frodo in the previous films. (Which I'll admit, the complaints kind of bug me. I mean, sheesh, people, he's not an action hero. He may have his Distressed Dude moments, but he's not wimpy. /Sorry, pet peeve)
And good point about Thorin. I'll admit, I didn't really catch that, but good point. I think the movie in general was trying to make the point that Thorin was kind of being all Captain Ahab in regards to the Orcs (and for good reason) -- and it didn't really make Thorin any less lovable, at least in my eyes. At least, I don't think he was actually leaving them to fall into that pit.
(Just my point of view, though. :)
Re: Sorry if I don't make sense; bit tired.
Date: 2013-01-12 10:00 pm (UTC)I just saw a video of cast interviews, where Christopher Lee was explaining that at this point in the chronology, Saruman is basically decent and upstanding if a bit stuffy and irritable, but there's little hint that he's going to turn one day. Which is funny, because to me, in the theater, he came across as one short step away from twirling his moustache. If I'm the only one seeing it, though, then maybe that's something to do with me, not the film. Odd.
I get that, but I think playing it this way was a little bit lazy on Jackson's part, and that depicting the events more or less as Tolkien set them up (but did not depict himself) would have been at least as interesting and exciting, and perhaps more so. Big missed opportunity, to my mind.
I like Frodo just fine in the original films, so no argument from this quarter.
I think you're right about giving Thorin a Captain Ahab vibe, but I don't think that's really enough to explain the scene. I know I said that about Thorin being a dick, but actually, I can't even look at it as a character flaw of his - to me, it comes across more than anything as sloppy storytelling. It's like Jackson and company were trying to tell two stories with the dwarfs in that scene: one of Thorin going off to face Azog, and the other of the rest of the company (Gandalf included) stuck in a tree about to fall into a gorge, and the two stories are badly mashed together in a way which creates weird incongruities. The scene (or this part of it, specifically) doesn't make any sense to me on a narrative level, and the only way it makes sense on a meta-level is if I chalk it up to a technical failure.
Re: Sorry if I don't make sense; bit tired.
Date: 2013-01-12 10:38 pm (UTC)Nah, I say that come to think of it, you're right. I mean, I will admit there are times when Saruman's evil became a little obvious (not to the extent of mustache twirling, but mostly to the extent of "Did we mention he's a bit suspicious?" His casual ridiculing of Radagast didn't help -- although the mentioning of mushrooms was a pretty amusing nod to the original films). And yeah, you're right. I mean, I guess the White Council was like, "Oh dear Valar, not this shit again", but outright ignoring evidence? *Headdesk*
And that's good to know. :) *Sighs* I guess I've just been feeling alone at times regarding Frodo in the original films, so that's definitely reassuring. :)
Yeah, that is true. I think chalking it up to a technical failure would be pretty good. I guess it just flew over my head a bit when I was watching, really.