It's still a terrible idea. Sorry Keith.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
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It's still a terrible idea. Sorry Keith.
FLOSI
Nerf Herder
Josh, I want your opinion.... As I value it.... Spoiler free (Whatever that means for a story I've read a dozen times).
agen_kolar
Super Freak
I intended on writing my thoughts immediately after watching the film last night while it was fresh on my mind, but since it was 3am I just had to get to sleep!
My initial impression is that DOS is more enjoyable than AUJ, probably because it is much more along the lines of the LOTR films. They aren't on the same level, but DOS is more similar to them than AUJ ever thought about being.
The plot moved along well enough, though there were a few moments where I found myself thinking, "Shut up and keep moving." I think the most frustrating scene for me was
Gandalf felt much more like Gandalf in DOS. In AUJ, for whatever reason, Ian McKellan seemed out of it. I know the films were shot all at once, so that makes no sense, but the Gandalf of AUJ just wasn't right, in my opinion. This is not so for DOS.
I've heard a lot of people say the dwarves, minus Thorin, Balin, and Kili, seem to fall into the background. While I would mostly agree with that in AUJ, I really felt that we get a better sense of their characters in DOS. All of them had their fair share of dialogue (minus Bombur, who seems to be a mute) and their parts to play. I've enjoyed getting to know them and their personalities better. Let's just say Gimli is very much Gloin's son!
The additions to the cast were, in my opinion, fantastic. Thranduil, though we've seen him briefly before, was phenomenal. Lee Pace is a favorite of mine, anyway, and he portrayed Thranduil with a sense of deadly grace. The slimy, grotesque Master of the Lake and his servant, Alfrid, were among those I'd wished we'd seen more of. Bard the Bowman reminded me of Aragorn, and ranks as one of my favorite characters thus far.
The most obvious addition to the cast is Tauriel. While she may be a polarizing character due to her not being a true Tolkien character, I really enjoyed Evangeline Lily and what she brought to the film. Her presence was, in my opinion, much needed and refreshing. She's just as badass as Legolas, and doesn't feel added just for the sake of having a female lead. I definitely feel like weaving her into Tolkien's tapestry worked seamlessly.
Smaug. The dragon we've all waited years to behold. And what a sight to behold he is! The CG was top notch. Benedict Cumberbatch, who I do believe to be overrated, definitely nailed Smaug's. My only complaint with Smaug's design was his fire-breathing capabilities. The skin in between his scales glowed orange in his stomach whenever he got angered, and this drove me nuts. I wished they'd taken a more realistic approach, as it felt like too much of a suspension of disbelief for him to literally be filled with fire. Additionally,
One thing I can't get over are the CG orcs. Now, I don't mind CG additions to enhance prosthetics. I do, however, mind when completely prosthetic characters are digitally removed and replaced with uninspiring, unconvincing CG characters. Azog and Bolg, I'm looking at you. They are nothing more than distracting eyesores. I'm quite disappointed in Weta for the creation of them. Being disappointed in Weta is not something I often say!
The ending of the film definitely had the audience feeling, "We have to wait another year to see what happens?!"
And I think that's a good thing.
I'm sure I'm forgetting things and can add to my thoughts later. I definitely need a repeat viewing, as well.
My initial impression is that DOS is more enjoyable than AUJ, probably because it is much more along the lines of the LOTR films. They aren't on the same level, but DOS is more similar to them than AUJ ever thought about being.
The plot moved along well enough, though there were a few moments where I found myself thinking, "Shut up and keep moving." I think the most frustrating scene for me was
the ascent of the Lonely Mountain. For those several minutes, everything seemed to drag. The dwarves can't find the path, oh okay, Bilbo found the path, oh now they can't find the keyhole, oh okay, Bilbo found the keyhole. It was all just very predictable.
Gandalf felt much more like Gandalf in DOS. In AUJ, for whatever reason, Ian McKellan seemed out of it. I know the films were shot all at once, so that makes no sense, but the Gandalf of AUJ just wasn't right, in my opinion. This is not so for DOS.
I've heard a lot of people say the dwarves, minus Thorin, Balin, and Kili, seem to fall into the background. While I would mostly agree with that in AUJ, I really felt that we get a better sense of their characters in DOS. All of them had their fair share of dialogue (minus Bombur, who seems to be a mute) and their parts to play. I've enjoyed getting to know them and their personalities better. Let's just say Gimli is very much Gloin's son!
The additions to the cast were, in my opinion, fantastic. Thranduil, though we've seen him briefly before, was phenomenal. Lee Pace is a favorite of mine, anyway, and he portrayed Thranduil with a sense of deadly grace. The slimy, grotesque Master of the Lake and his servant, Alfrid, were among those I'd wished we'd seen more of. Bard the Bowman reminded me of Aragorn, and ranks as one of my favorite characters thus far.
The most obvious addition to the cast is Tauriel. While she may be a polarizing character due to her not being a true Tolkien character, I really enjoyed Evangeline Lily and what she brought to the film. Her presence was, in my opinion, much needed and refreshing. She's just as badass as Legolas, and doesn't feel added just for the sake of having a female lead. I definitely feel like weaving her into Tolkien's tapestry worked seamlessly.
Smaug. The dragon we've all waited years to behold. And what a sight to behold he is! The CG was top notch. Benedict Cumberbatch, who I do believe to be overrated, definitely nailed Smaug's. My only complaint with Smaug's design was his fire-breathing capabilities. The skin in between his scales glowed orange in his stomach whenever he got angered, and this drove me nuts. I wished they'd taken a more realistic approach, as it felt like too much of a suspension of disbelief for him to literally be filled with fire. Additionally,
there's no doubt the battle in Erebor was intended to be an awe-inspiring climax, but it was over-the-top and implausible. The CG seemed rushed, particularly with the molten metal, but really my complaint is that the battle seemed drawn out and unnecessary. The biggest offense was the reveal of a golden dwarf statue that captured Smaug's attention due to its sheer size, which then filled a massive room with molten gold so deep that Smaug himself was completely submerged. Not only was the statue not big enough to fill a room, but it didn't affect Smaug in any way, for reasons unexplained to the audience. The gold stayed on him until he flew up above Erebor, but then it easily came off with a few shakes?
One thing I can't get over are the CG orcs. Now, I don't mind CG additions to enhance prosthetics. I do, however, mind when completely prosthetic characters are digitally removed and replaced with uninspiring, unconvincing CG characters. Azog and Bolg, I'm looking at you. They are nothing more than distracting eyesores. I'm quite disappointed in Weta for the creation of them. Being disappointed in Weta is not something I often say!
The ending of the film definitely had the audience feeling, "We have to wait another year to see what happens?!"
And I think that's a good thing. I'm sure I'm forgetting things and can add to my thoughts later. I definitely need a repeat viewing, as well.
Nuka Cola Kidd
Super Freak
I would agree with everything Agen. Well said.
I thought the movie was pretty fantastic. It's got a super quick pace and is MUCH darker than AUJ. Still light moments but more dark ones I think. The story you read is in there but there are several changes as well. I loved Tauriel as an addition! Evangeline Lilly did a superb job and really made her feel part of Middle-earth. Seeing Legolas back I admit I'm glad I see and you get several "Legolas" moments. Bard was also really cool! I loved that we got more back story on him. Lake Town is like I imagined it would be as is the Master. Alfrid is a pretty creepy dude. I loved Azog's look in AUJ but he looks even better in this movie. I really like this character to be honest. Bolg is alright but I wish they had kept more of his original design in this cgi look. I will say this movie does need an EE I think to give it some more slower moments, but it's a damn good time.
9.15/10
FLOSI
Nerf Herder
CAN NOT WAIT.
BadMoon
Demi G0D Overseer
It worked for LOTR.
Then you'd only see Smaug for about 10 minutes on screen. If you did the book word for word like many seems to want, it would be boring, IMO. Not everyone read the book as well.
Wait till you see this one, or all three then ask yourself what all you'd cut out to make it into 3 hours and still be a great movie.
I loved it and this one I got to see in 48 fps, where I didn't AUJ. I thought it looked awesome and the 3D was great!
I didn't mind the CGI that much and I agree with whoever said it that because of the frame rate, you might be able too tell more that it's a guy in the suit. I know one thing I noticed with this is that you could see every single pore in the actors skin and you could really tell when someone was wearing heavy makeup.
Our local critic said he felt there were parts that were too busy and you couldn't see it all. I think you have that in most any action movies you watch. I know at times I still see things in LotR that I haven't seen before and I can't even tell you how many times I've seen those films.
Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing it in 2D this Christmas.
One of the best parts to me:
I didn't mind the CGI that much and I agree with whoever said it that because of the frame rate, you might be able too tell more that it's a guy in the suit. I know one thing I noticed with this is that you could see every single pore in the actors skin and you could really tell when someone was wearing heavy makeup.
Our local critic said he felt there were parts that were too busy and you couldn't see it all. I think you have that in most any action movies you watch. I know at times I still see things in LotR that I haven't seen before and I can't even tell you how many times I've seen those films.
Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing it in 2D this Christmas.
One of the best parts to me:
Transformer Bombur
BadMoon
Demi G0D Overseer
I don't remember the Smaug sequence being a huge part of the book to begin with. Granted it has been MANY years since I've read the book.
Either way I am very excited to see this. There are many movies I want to see this month. I'll be lucky to see one of them. I told Julie if I don't get to see it this month I want to go on my birthday to IMAX on the 5th.
agen_kolar
Super Freak
Agreed. However, I can see where BadMoon is coming from, too. I think I could edit the three films down into two 3-hour films. I think two films would be a good compromise. Three films just seems like Jackson simply bloating the material. We'll see how I feel after viewing all three!
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It worked for LOTR.
It did. There was more material to work with even with cutting stuff out. I mean each one of those movies is over 3 hours long. The Hobbit as one film wouldn't leave any real development of plot.
jye4ever
Broke and happy
Hobbit should've been 5 movies at 3.5 hours each.
I am actively going out of my way to avoid the 48 fps version. ALmost ruined the first movie for me
Irvy
Super Freak
Just back from the first showing of the day, place was empty so that was nice
Enjoyed it on par with AUJ, still far too much distracting/sub par CGI. LOTR will ultimately stand the test of time over this hobbit trilogy.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
Enjoyed it on par with AUJ, still far too much distracting/sub par CGI. LOTR will ultimately stand the test of time over this hobbit trilogy.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
Njits
Super Freak
I can assure you it was not Jackson that wanted 3 films, the studio convinced him and co into making three. Remember PJ didn't even *want* to direct these movies, but he had to because Del Toro couldn't commit. I do find it funny though how people are always coming back to saying "uhhh ohhh, hobbit in 3 films!? So bloated! wow!" when that isn't even necessarily a bad thing.
Fritz
My muse is a fickle b**ch
The showing I went to last night did end up being HFR. I pretty much have the same opinion of it as you. I don't have a problem with it but neither do I love it. Basically it's fine and doesn't interfere with my enjoyment of the movie.
jye4ever
Broke and happy
3 films purely for profit reasons, not artistic:
Miramax LLC and its founders, Harvey and Bob Weinstein, sued Time Warner Inc. (TWX) for $75 million over claims they were deprived of their share of revenue from the movie adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book “The Hobbit” after it was split into three different films.
Time Warner units New Line Cinema Corp. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. are accused in the lawsuit, filed yesterday in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, of using their decision to split the screen adaptation of the book into three films to keep revenue due Miramax and the Weinsteins.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013...ine-cinema-warner-bros-over-hobbit-films.html
Miramax LLC and its founders, Harvey and Bob Weinstein, sued Time Warner Inc. (TWX) for $75 million over claims they were deprived of their share of revenue from the movie adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book “The Hobbit” after it was split into three different films.
Time Warner units New Line Cinema Corp. and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. are accused in the lawsuit, filed yesterday in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, of using their decision to split the screen adaptation of the book into three films to keep revenue due Miramax and the Weinsteins.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013...ine-cinema-warner-bros-over-hobbit-films.html
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