Remembering The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Kili, Bilbo, and Fili watching the trolls steal their ponies

Sara and I were watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey yesterday afternoon. She had still not seen the movie, even though I had reassured there were no greater parts played by Elijah Wood (Frodo). I have no clue why she does not tolerate dear Frodo. I missed the blue-eyed little Hobbit throughout the prequel. Him and Samwise Gamji (hope I have spelled him right) are the heart and soul of Lord Of The Rings.

I never got to write a review of The Hobbit, considering the 'circumstances' that had taken over my life, but it is never too late to do a recall.

Martin Freeman is like the perfect young Bilbo! His acting was hilarious, and sophisticated, at the same time. Of course, he has a greater part to play in The Desolation of Smaug. The familiar Hobbit hole was so much like the good old days of Lord Of The Rings. I would give anything to have a house constructed like that. 

The dwarves are hilarious! Sara and I had a particularly good time watching them intrude Bilbo at his supper time and bringing the pantry town. "Cheese-knife? He eats it by the block." said Bofur as Bombur carried three blocks of cheese out of the pantry. Then there is this ridiculous ale drinking followed by the most nasty of burping. Their table manners need attention! And, there are of course the dwarf songs. Particularly funny was the teasing song they sang when tossing around Bilbo's dishes and leftovers in an attempt to clean the place. Those are definitely good guest manners! Sing along!

"Blunt the knives bend the forks,

Smash the bottles and burn the corks!

Chip the glasses and crack the plates!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates.

Cut the cloth tread on the fat!

Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!

Pour the milk on the pantry floor!

Splash the wine on every door!

Dump the crocks in a boil bowl;

Pound them up with a thumping pole;

And when you've finished if they are whole,

Send them down the hall to roll!

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield

If Aragorn was the silent and deadly warrior hero in LOTR, Thorin Oakenshield is the one doing that magic in The Hobbit. Richard Armitage has brought presence, grace, and serious good acting to screen. He conveys Thorin's arrogance perfectly when he meets Lord Elrond at Rivendell for reading of the map runes. And, there is the magnificent Gandalf the Grey and Lady Galadriel! Their hair never cease to provoke my jealous instincts.