Thoughts on The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug...

[phyncke]

So I saw the Desolation of Smaug last night and while I really did enjoy the film quite a bit - found it riveting and interesting and all that. I feel that the film has to now be viewed as a loosely adaptive work of fan fiction.

As a writer of fan fiction - I don't mind embellishing a tale at all. I do it all the time when I write a story. Some might view this as a negative but I don't really - but if you expect to find Tolkien's original story in these movies - you will be disappointed.

The second movie was very entertaining. I barely noticed the 2 hours and 40 mins. I was really surprised when the film was done. I could have stayed for more. Usually I notice a movie's length but not with this one. I loved the additional action sequences, really loved the additional character of Tauriel and it all worked for me as a film.

I did miss some aspects of the book that I wanted to see in the film but I am letting that go. Overall this was very good entertainment and well worth seeing for any Tolkien fan.

Thumbs up. :)

Comments

[jaiden-s.livejournal.com]

I agree. I intend to take the same approach, and I anticipate I'll enjoy it. :)

[phyncke.livejournal.com]

Yes, once I reconciled my feelings on this - I felt better and really enjoyed the film, a lot. PJ makes good movies but these are very different than the original work. I am ok with it now and definitely enjoyed the second installment.

[chaotic-binky.livejournal.com]

I viewed the first film as fanfiction and enjoyed it. I expect it will be the same for this one.

[phyncke.livejournal.com]

I think that is the way to view them. In general I think the LOTR movies were more faithful to the original works but The Hobbit is going further afield. I really am enjoying The Hobbit films but they are not replacing my vision of Tolkien's work.

[erviniae.livejournal.com]

I agree. I enjoyed it thoroughly !! I loved the pan over Thran on his throne!!! Thanks PJ. ;)

[phyncke.livejournal.com]

Lots to love in this movie. :) I will need to see it again for sure in the theater. I think I missed a lot this first viewing.

[perkyandproud.livejournal.com]

They're taking a single book and turning it into a trilogy...so yeah, I figured they'd take a few liberties! :)

But in some places, like the dialogue in Lonely Mountain...that's some good stuff! :)

Tauriel...she's interesting! Although I did have someone grumpily point out that she shouldn't have red hair... :D

[phyncke.livejournal.com]

I think the original Hobbit would have made two good movies for sure. That would have worked. Do you mean the dialogue with the dragon? That was for sure very well done.

I think her coloring fits her. She would have looked ridiculous as a blonde. I choose not to pick it apart on that level. She is definitely not suited for blonde hair and she looked lovely with her red hair.

[perkyandproud.livejournal.com]

Yes, the dialogue with Smaug :D

Her coloring did! But they were all, "there is only one family of elves with red hair and she isn't one of them!" LOL Silly fans.

[gwaelinn.livejournal.com]

I agree her coloring was perfect and clearly set her (and the other Silvans) apart from the elfs. She may not actually belong to 'that family' of red hairs, but she sure has their fire! :)

Anyway, there are a couple of other elves with--technically--the wrong hair color *snicker*

[gwaelinn.livejournal.com]

Exactly the way I felt! Missed some details or extended details of the book but loved the story non the less. I think Peter is doing and awesome job of trying to sort-of fill the gaps in the back story that the general public may not know but those who are more familiar with the Professor's work and Arda's history do. Like the gem necklace and the cause for animosity between dwarves and elfs. The actual history is quite extensive and often hard to follow...Jackson is making it as simple as he can.

I did not know how I would feel about Tauriel. Now, I like her a lot better than Arwen!! I know there was to be some "relationship/attraction" involving Kili and scauffed. It was done so well. Fili staying with Kili and basically defying Thorin was great! Plan to see it again this weekend if at all possible with my oldest daughter.

I took my 12 for her birthday last Friday. I have to laugh cause she has not read the book and her comment at the end was, "Boy am I glad Kili didn't die." Poor dear! I handed her the book when we got home and suggested she read it before part 3 comes out. ~lol

[phyncke.livejournal.com]

There are many things I miss from the books that PJ chose not to do but I do like the movies too. I like Arwen and Tauriel both. I am definitely going to see it again in the theater. Yeppers.