2014: Week 1: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Main Players: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly

General Gist: The second in the trilogy. A Hobbit and a gang of dwarfs continue their journey to reclaim their home from a Dragon.

Deb's Take:
I looked back at my review for the first Hobbit movie (week 50 in 2012.)  After reading my review I'm thinking two things, 1.) Wow, I can tell I had been doing reviews for a while because I am extremely out of practice for writing like that! 2.) I think I must have liked the first one better.

As I've said many times before, this movie genre is not my favorite.  After seeing the first one though I felt like I need to finish the whole trilogy or it's a job left undone.  This movie was good.  My husband and son both thought it was much better than the first.  I think it was comparable.  This movie had a lot more adventure and action then the first one.  The characters took on more personality and life.  I found some of the characters more endearing and there was a little romance for my soulful side.  I feel like this one fell more into the "Hollywood" category as it worked to capture the audience with bling and fire.  The actors did wonderful, and I feel everyone fits their parts perfectly.  Again, I am just not so much a fan of these movies so I'm a little biased in my lack of enthusiasm. Like I said the first time, if you are a Hobbit fan you will probably love it!


Deb's Rate: Its a renter for me, but if you are a fan Friday Night.

Tiff's Take:
I read my review for the last Hobbit as well and I have to say that I feel pretty much the same about this one.  I didn't have a huge desire to see this movie but I didn't not want to see it either.  I've seen all the other movies so it seems like I need to keep going.  For being so unenthusiastic about going, I was pleasantly surprised.  As always with these movies.

I really did enjoy this once I started watching it.  It kept me engaged and didn't feel super long even though it sort of was.  The only bad thing is I felt totally confused about what was going on.  Apparently I remember even less then last time.  But even in my state of ignorance I didn't feel like it was a waste of my time.  Also, it was a major bonus seeing Orlando Bloom.  It's been awhile!  Oh, and another bonus.  It's super fun saying the word Smaug.  

Tiff's Rate:  Matinee for me.

Preview: Week 2: "Her"

2012: Week 50: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Main Players: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett

General Gist: A Hobbit and a gang of dwarfs (along with a wizard and warrior) go on a journey to reclaim their home from a Dragon.

Deb's Take:
I am not a Lord of the Rings fan.  I can't say I dislike it, just am not a fan.  I know I saw some of movies when they were out, but quite honestly don't remember them.  This movie, being a prequel, may have just helped me a little with the whole enjoyment of Lord of the Rings.  I like things in order. I like to know the background stories, the ins and outs, the before and afters, EVERYTHING.  I am a big picture kind of girl.  This story sort of just set the stage for me to now go and watch the Lord of the Rings movies.  I am not much of a  fantasy movie type, but this movie was good.  I really felt like the characters were picked and played well.  Martin Freeman (Bilbo) and Ian Mckellen (Gandalf)  were my favorites, but really, there wasn't a bad apple in the bunch.   Ok, so I almost forgot about the character Gollum.  WOW, after that scene I felt like nothing could be as crazy as Gollum.  Kudos to Andy Serkis for playing crazy like no other crazy I have seen.

More impressive was the scenery and landscape, as well as the visual production.  The movie was a prescreening ( meaning to us?  FREE) and it was in 3D (added bonus).  The special effects, the color, the picture itself was amazing.  I think I liked some of the screen shots better than the movie.  I also loved the costumes and make-up.  Actually, what can be done with film now a days is pretty amazing.  (I just watched an old movie..."The Holiday" with Bing Crosby and Fred Estaire, something to be said for the good old black and white, but really amazing to think what movies have become in such a short time)

Anyway, if you are a Fantasy, Hobbit fan, I think you will love it!

Deb's Rate: Good enough for Opening Night if you are a fan, I could take it as a Matinee.

Tiff's Take: 
Although I wouldn't call myself a die hard Lord of the Rings fan I really do enjoy them.  To be honest though I wasn't thinking I would like this as well as I did.  Not that I thought it would be bad but I wasn't overly excited to see it.  I remember the other movies being good but long.  And it's been a loooong time since I've read the book.  So long ago that I couldn't really tell you how the movie was bad, good, different or the same compared to the book.  

That being said, I really enjoyed this movie.  It was long but it didn't feel like it dragged on.  I enjoyed the characters, the action, all of it.  Since it had been such a long time since I'd read the book it was like I was seeing the story for the first time.  But did the movie end where the book did??  I feel like maybe they'll be another movie but honestly I have no clue.  Regardless, it was definitely one to see.             

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night 

Preview: Week 51 coming up!