AN UNEXPECTED HOBBIT POST

[nerwende]

I know most folks these days don't use LJ much and since I'm still adventuring in Aoteareoa Middle-earth (and I have no idea what is going on in the lives of the other mods) this community has been pretty dead lately. But if it happens that you, YES YOU, reading this, have seen the Hobbit : an Unexpected Journey and would like to discuss, nitpick,

Comments

[nerwende]

I saw it last night at the first public screening (midnight) at the Embassy theatre in Wellington. I didn't mind the higher frame-rate but I'm still not convinced 3D is needed to tell the story, hence I'm planning on seeing it again in 2D in a couple of days. There were a few totally cringe-worthy moments (THE DEER. I AM NEVER GOING TO GET OVER IT) but also lots of beauty and some surprising subtlety (Bilbo having a longing last look at Rivendell etc).

[virgo0823]

I'm going to to go see it Saturday at the 11:30 AM showing. No 3D.

[nerwende]

To be honest, I'm not sure that 3D adds anything besides some "cool" effects. I might change my opinion with the later parts when we get to really see Smaug though. Also planning on seeing this one again in a couple of days in 2D for comparison. :)

[virgo0823]

I wear glasses, so 3D gives me a headache after a while. So I try to avoid all movies with it. Plus 3D movies is ridiculously expensive here.

[nerwende]

Interestingly, I've heard some people say that with the brightness and clearness of the higher frame rate (where available) they haven't experienced the usual 3D-headache. This was the first feature length film I've ever seen in 3D (previously I've only seen shorter science documents etc) so I've never experienced that problem, but it was definitely easier on the eyes than what I'm used to with 3D. :)

[lavished]

Saw it in 3D, I think at 48fps. It didn't really bother me beyond how 3D usually bothers me/feels unnecessary.

Overall I really loved it. Favorite scene was probs the Misty Mountain singing. Movie did take a bit to get started, but I loved the back story of Erebor. And the stuff we saw about Sauron was bossss.

The acting was all great. Holla, as always, at the flawless Ian McKellen. Martin Freeman and Richard Armitage were also excellent.

The scene with Radagast was a little off bc I didn't know if I was supposed to be upset at the dead animals, or laughing at Radagast and his sickass birdshit costume. I also wasn't a huge fan of the White Council, just bc it felt a little off topic.

Also could have used less CGI imo, mainly in the case of the creatures like Azog. That whole business was a bit off point, but I think the character would at least be improved if it weren't so fake looking.

Still, I think it was pretty faithful to Tolkien's source material, so, I enjoyed it. Need to see it again!

[nerwende]

Somebody (I think at TORn) made a comment about Azog which might explain why so many of us thought he looked fake/off - he seems to be in slow motion all the time!

[smittenlilly]

Saw it twice in 3D, would love to see it in 2D as well but it's not that easy to find a theatre in Germany that will show it in 2D AND in English ;P
But overall, I really liked the film (hence me watching it twice). Could have done without the 3D though. Oh well, to each their own I guess.

[nerwende]

In the end my second viewing was 3D too... I kinda figured I'm gonna see it in 2D a billion times in the coming years marathoning all the DVDs anyway! :D

[smittenlilly]

The only time I though 'Uh how cool is that in 3D' were the scenes with the eagles. Otherwise, would still be awesome in 2D as well :D
You're gonna wait for the Extended Edition?

[nerwende]

Yup. I did it with LOTR, I'm sure I can wait again. :)

[melania50495]

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