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| Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins |
As much as I liked the idea of Guillermo Del Toro taking over for the prequel (he's one hell of a fantastic visual storyteller), I was relieved when a scheduling conflict kept him away. With Jackson back at the helm The Hobbit will look and feel similar to The Lord of the Rings trilogy -- which makes more sense, if only for the sake of consistency.
So, how is the trailer? Well, it's pretty perfect in my opinion. I love the casting choice of Martin Freeman as Bilbo. I'm not overly familiar with his work but he definitely has the perfect look and feel for the role. And, after seeing the trailer, I'm convinced he'll make a wonderful Bilbo (especially since filling the shoes of Ian Holm won't be easy). In fact, in the brief glimpse we get of all the new characters, all the casting choices were right on the money. Not that I had any doubt, seeing as Jackson has a knack for unearthing unknown talent and turning them into household names. The trailer also includes some familiar faces, most notably returning actors Ian McKellan, Cate Blanchett and Andy Serkis.
I won't ramble on about all the things I loved about the trailer because it would take up more than one post. But, basically, I think this film will live up to all the hype and all the hopes of J.R.R. Tolkien fans. Thankfully, Hollywood has people like Jackson making quality blockbusters or we'd all be doomed to endless remakes of dull action franchises. I'm not even bothered by the fact that The Hobbit was filmed in 3D (a cash-grab gimmick I usually loathe) simply because I know that Jackson made every one of those images count -- and it'll look fantastic.
Seeing trailers like The Hobbit are necessary if only to remind us that the things we loved as a child still have enduring popularity -- our childhood isn't dead so long as dedicated directors like Jackson are loyally adapting our favourite books into epic films.
What do you think of the trailer?
Didn't much like the book but wasn't a massive LOTR fan until the films made me reappraise the books so very excited to see how Jackson does this time! Looks great so far!
ReplyDeleteI plan on reading the book again closer to the film's release date. I have no doubt it will be an excellent adaptation.
ReplyDeleteI saw the trailer before Tintin in 3D and the 3D was not utilized well from what I saw. However, in 2D this trailer is spectacular and it includes a lot for a trailer coming out a year before the release. Jackson and co. seem really confident on this one and from the looks of it, they should be.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because I didn't realize at the time I saw the trailer that Jackson isn't technically done filming The Hobbit, which is why a lot of the scenes in the trailer are just character shots. I'm sure he'll come out with a longer, more-improved trailer that properly utilizes the 3D aspect.
ReplyDeleteHow was Tintin?
I tend to agree with you regarding the movie living up to the hype. I also find it refreshing (though a dangerous move on his part) that Jackson's team is adding an additional story line to this movie that is only hinted at in the book (The White Council's attack on Dol Guldur).
ReplyDeleteNow, if only someone could follow Jackson's lead and adapt some of the other classic, fantasy series into films--perhaps the 'Shannara' trilogy or the original, three 'Dragonlance' books (yes, I realize that Hollywood did create an awful, straight to video version of the first book, but that doesn't count). Instead, they tend to serve up remakes (as you mentioned), ie. yet another Superman reboot--argh.
It is a risky move to add that additional storyline; however, if anyone could pull it off, it'd be Jackson!
ReplyDeleteJackson has a knack for fantasy and he has respect for the original sources for his stories. You never know -- those other adaptations could happen!