Peter Jackson stays true to Tolkien’s work, while bowing perhaps just a little to Hollywood’s avarice
For someone like me, who grew up reading (and loving) J.R.R. Tolkien’s
The Hobbit and, inevitably,
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it was with bated breath and not a small amount of apprehension that I awaited the cinematic adaptations of these classics by Peter Jackson, a relatively unknown director at the time.
By my standards, his adaptation of The Lord of the Rings books couldn’t have been better. Perfectly cast, and lovingly adapted, the films are a delight. When rumours began circling about Jacksom helming The Hobbit, fans (this reviewer included) had only one question: could we really hope for more of this kind of same?
Unfortunately, the Hollywood marketing machine, capitalising on the spectacular success of the first trilogy, decided to do the same with the adaptation of The Hobbit, a slim volume that while dense with the lore of Middle Earth hardly warrants three films.
So it would just be bad judgement to claim that this latest trilogy, parceled out over the last three Christmas seasons aren’t made with the intent of extorting money from viewers who wish to prolong their sojourn in Tolkien’s beloved Middle Earth for as long as possible.
The final chapter begins where The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) ended. Smaug, the dragon (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) has desolated Laketown near the Lonely Mountain in his rage after discovering that Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) has sneaked in under his nose to steal his vast treasure.
Equally menacing is a planned assault on the treasures of the mountain by the Orcs (a deadly force spawned by Sauron, the Dark one), and by the elves and the people of Laketown all of whom have been promised a share of the fabled unimaginable riches hoarded by Smaug.
While non-fantasy lovers might find themselves impatient of this final film that winds up the fortunes of our favourite characters including Gandalf (Ian McKellan), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Thorin Okenshield (Richard Armitage), I would say that for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this well made indulgence. Peter Jackson as usual stays true to Tolkien’s work, while bowing perhaps just a little to Hollywood’s avarice.
If this review appears incomprehensible to you, I apologise. This particular week, the column was written for lovers of Tolkien who are up to speed on their Middle Earth trivia. Perhaps, it will prompt those who are intrigued to go out and read the books? They will keep you company for the rest of your life. That is a promise. You can decide for yourself if you feel the same way about the films.
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