The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey sports a lighter tone than its predecessors with comedic routines and a brighter palette making Middle Earth palatable to the youngsters, although the film doesn't lose any of the adventure or danger necessary for J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy. The film follows the titular halfling, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), enlisted by wise old wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan) to accompany 13 dwarves
on their quest to retake the Dwarven homeland now ruled by the nasty dragon Smaug. After surviving the dwarves' impromptu dinner party – a true display of Bilbo's neurosis and Freeman's knack for physical and linguistic comedy – Gandalf and the band of pint size warriors embark on their journey. The first half of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is stuffed with back-story, introductions to old friends (Elijah Wood makes his necessary appearance early in the film), and silly characterisation of the new characters. The central conflict is between the hobbit and the headstrong leader of the dwarves, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). The dynamics are like that of a cool kid and his younger brother – Thorin is saddled with Bilbo, the only one of them capable of sneaking into the Lonely Mountain and stealing back treasure from Smaug. Thorin lets him run with the pack, but embarrasses him to show power. He also protects him from pursuing Orcs when necessary. Thorin is no Aragorn but the relationship between him and Bilbo is thinner than anything in LOTR – but it's warm and familiar. 
VERDICTThe film has its moments of shock, but in the end, it aims to be the fantasy read, played and explored in the imaginations of people of all ages.
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