The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Nearly ten years since his last trip to Middle-Earth, director Peter Jackson is back to the beginning of JRR Tolkein's literary lore in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. If this first of three epic films based on one 300 page book is indication, then this film should've been called The Hobbit: An Unending Journey.

The Hobbit is Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm/Martin Freeman), who used to have a normal life until Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) showed up. Gandalf and a band of Dwarves, led by Prince Thorin (Richard Armitage),  decide to recruit Bilbo for their upcoming adventure. Their mission, that they've chosen to accept, is to reclaim the Mountain Kingdom of Erebor, and its massive treasure, from a greedy dragon named Smaug. And so, whether Bilbo likes it or not, he sets off to aid them in their quest.

And that's all you need to know about the plot. It's a plot that takes up two hours and forty nine minutes to tell.

At first, it's kind of fun to watch Bilbo's first adventure. Our hero is a likable one, and the band of Dwarves are a fun, rowdy band of characters. Meanwhile, the film's visual effects, as expected, are great to look at. But as it goes on and on and on, the fun overstays its welcome. As a result, this epic return to Middle-Earth isn't as epic as it wants to be.

It does slightly redeem itself at the two hour mark, when it introduces the creepy Gollum (Andy Serkis) and the titular MacGuffin of The Lord of the Rings. Even though it's an extended cameo, it's also the film's most entertaining and worthwhile scene.

Available in not only 3D and Flatscreen formats, but its new High Frame Rate 3D, The Hobbit should please the most devoted Tolkein fans. But if it wants to please all other viewers, the next few films must find someway to make more seem less.