Review for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
I know what everyone is thinking.. that this movie was too long and put them unexpectedly on a journey to boredom! Or that it was not Peter Jackson’s best movie. Well, this is at least what my Lord of the Rings enthusiast boyfriend felt. However, for the Lord of Rings novice ( and self -proclaimed girlie girl who usually does not watch movies like this) like me, this movie helped me understand the world of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. 10 or 11 years ago when I saw the first Lord of the Rings movie, I was very perplexed and apparently fell asleep. I had never read any of J.R.R Tolkien’s novels, and without any background knowledge those movies were very, very confusing to me.
However, with this movie it was very easy for me to understand what happened. Dwarf Thror was the original King of the Lonely Mountain and under him there was a time of peace and goodwill… until Smaug the Dragon comes to take over Lonely Mountain. His primary interest is of course the gold. Thror’s grandson Thorin wishes one day to have a home again. So Gandalf tries to get Bilbo’s help to steal the treasure so that Thorin and the dwarves can one day reclaim their home. This was such an understandable story and the voiceover of Ballin really was one of the most clarity filled voiceovers- if that ever was one.
But the real treasure of the movie is the arch of Bilbo’s character development in this movie. Bilbo starts off as a person who is very much in love with his hole in the cave house ( Which I have to say that the art direction/set design did an amazing job with). It’s very much organized to his liking, he has his mother’s treasured chest, his mom’s dishes, and really everything in his house is as it should be. Bilbo wants to enjoy the simple pleasures and comforts of his life, drinking tea, having the security of a packed pantry, and really doesn’t want to leave this life.
Then comes Gandolf who asks him for his “burglary” help in the Quest to reconquer Lonely Mountain. But in doing so, Gandolf poses it as a challenge to Bilbo and how it may a great growth opportunity for him. In this, the mainstream can identify. Bilbo’s story is of the common man, and how we can all stay safe in our little organized worlds or we can travel the journeys less traveled. Bilbo eventually takes the challenge and grows along the way (like figuring out spur of the moment how to delay the trolls from eating the dwarves). Of course, though many of us face the dilemma of which road to take, many of us unlike Bilbo never take the road less travelled.
I also loved the portrayal of characters in this movie. I loved Ballin and his wise, grandfatherly-ness as much as I loved the dark, brooding yet steadfastness of Thorin. They are tied as my favorite characters? For all my readers out there, what is your favorite character?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Bottom Line:
I will give it a 3 stars ( if not 3.5)…. And as I expect people to through rabbit poo pellets at me for daring to give it such a high rating but I’m sorry I liked it.
PS- I also realize that I am a tad ( like 1.5 months late reviewing this.. but school break happened when we cannot review, then the beginning of the semester was crazy.. So I am sorry)
Category: Uncategorized
PREVIEW: Hill Auditorium Celebration!
Hill Auditorium is turning 100 this year! To commemorate this historic event, this Saturday, February 2nd, will be a day full of history, art, and ideas to reflect the massive amounts of creative projects that filter in and around Hill. Specifically, UMS is presenting an original documentary on the founding and design of Hill Auditorium that will be premiered Saturday at 2pm in the very building it honors for this historic event.
Some other events to pay homage to the celebratory occasion include:
12 noon – 2pm: Self-Guided Architecture and History Tours and Lunch (on your own)
*2-3pm UMS on Film Special Event: World Premiere!
3:15-4:15pm: Hill @ 100 – The Past, Present, and Future of the Great Concert Hall
4:30-5:30pm: Reception
Should be a great time! All free – be there!!
more info here
PREVIW: El Anatsui Exhibit in the UMMA
El Anatsui Exhibit in the UMMA
The feature exhibit this semester at The UMMA is the work of Ghanaian-bord artist El Anatsui. The collection “When Last I Wrote to You about Africa” is a lifelong retrospective comprised of more than sixty works. The exciting thing about his international presence on campus is that not only will his art work be shown, but the artist himself will be present for the celebration. In honor of both the exhibit and his world-renowned guest appearance at U of M, The UMMA and several other related departments are hosting events throughout the semester, from the debut on February 2nd and the closing on May 5th. Click here for more information about El Anatsui and here for a close up on the information listed above.
PREVIEW: Word of Mouth StorySLAM: in(Justice)
Word of Mouth StorySLAM: in(Justice)
WORD OF MOUTH STORY SLAM
(in)justice: stories of social change and personal trials
Thursday January 31, 2013
Work Gallery, 306 State Street
Doors at 6:00 pm
Word of Mouth is back for our first event of 2013. Never been to our slams before? Audience members tell five-minute stories from their lives related to a theme. The friendly competition includes appetizers and live music.
This month’s feature band will be The Good Plenty. Check them out here!
In honor of the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Race Themed Semester, this month’s theme focuses on social (in)justice. If you have stories of self-discovery, identity, justice, punishment, or bearing witness, please come share your voice. With the generous support of Hillel, this month’s event is bound to be exciting and meaningful.
With the great success of our experiment at December’s slam HONESTLY, we have decided to eliminate the judges panel from the slams, so come without fear and share your story openly.
Can’t wait to see you there!
In the meantime, check us out online:
To get emails about more upcoming events and workshops or to join our planning crew, shoot us an email.
PREVIEW: The Good Plenty at The Blind Pig
The Good Plenty at The Blind Pig
On Wednesday January 30th, The Good Plenty takes the stage at the Blind Pig. The four-man musical act is comprised of U of M students: John Dickinson on base, Josh Ben on vocals, Jackson McCauley on drums, and Will Schutt on Guitar. With influences from the East and West Coasts as well as from around the globe, the group began producing music last year. Their five song EP is about to debut and a full length album can be expected later this year.
Last time the group performed at the Blind Pig in November, they were openers. Now, they are head liners. $5 at the door, or $8 for under 21. Doors at 9:30. Openers include Nightlife and Seven Birds One Stone. The following evening, the group perform at Word of Mouth’s storySLAM (in)Justice at Work Gallery on State St. Doors at 6 pm, free admission!
Check out info about the show at the Blind Pig as well as the Facebook event. Get a listen to a Good Plenty preview before you see them live.
See you there!
PREVIEW: CGIS Photography Showcase
Center for Global and Intercultural Study Photography Showcase
Students who travelled the globe in the 2011-2012 school year will exhibit photographs of their journeys on January 24th from 4-6pm in Room 2345 of North Quad. The competition’s winners will be revealed at the end of the showcase. Appetizers will be provided, so bring your friends and take a glimpse at the beauties of the planet! After returning from my CGIS travels in China and Japan last semester, I submitted several photographs to this competition. I can’t wait to see what my peer’s experiences look like on film!
