Battle fatigue. That’s what I suffered from after about 90 minutes of elves, dwarves, and humans fighting orcs. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) uses his magic ring to move the plot along. Gandalf (Ian McKellen) doesn’t have much to do. I’m still enamored with the red-headed elf, Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly). Yes, The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies is epic, action-packed, and draining. It’s a relief when the movie ends. GRADE: B
I recently bought the extended versions of the first two films. Been a little intimidated about watching them though. Never saw the theatrical versions and wonder if investing the time would be better served elsewhere.
Randy, friends who love THE HOBBIT really liked those extended versions.
I’m giving this one a very wide pass, but my kids–who’ve grown up with The Lord if the Rings/Hobbitt movies are already planning their weekend around going to see it.
/Am so glad they can all drive now and mom is off chauffeuring duties.
Deb, THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES basically ran out of Story. So all that was left was battle scenes. Yes, I remember when I took off my chauffeur cap when Patrick and Katie got their driving licenses. But, then there are other Worries…like Tickets and Accidents.
Oh yeah–you’re always a parent and you always feel all your kids’ hurts!
Deb, you are so right!
Who isn’t enamored of the gorgeous Lilly? Ever since LOST… never mind.
I figure this will still be playing when we get to Florida next month and will see it on the big screen then. If we miss it, we’ll catch up eventually.
I didn’t see any mention of Gollum in the reviews so I’m guessing he isn’t in this one.
Jeff, I kept waiting for Gollum to show up, but he never did in this movie. Don’t rush to see this. I’ll predict Jackie will be bored.
Have seen none of these. I lack the fantasy gene, I think.
Patti, THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES is basically a CGI orgy. If you’re not into long (almost interminable) battle scenes, this movie is not for you.
I think I’ll bring the DVDs of the three LORD OF THE RINGS movies to Florida to watch instead.
Jeff, I thought the battle scenes in RETURN OF THE KING were much better than THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES.
They (the studio and Jackson) pushed this too far with three films. One would have been okay, two okay. This film translates to about the last 50 pages of the book so there’s tins of story that’s added, mostly big battle scenes. I was unhappy with the three film decision then and still am, but it’s Middle Earth’s last bow, so from that standpoint, done is done.
I made the decision to wait for the fully extended special extras ultra High Def etc. box set on these, so I don’t even have the DVDs and have not gone to the movies. I love the book but was afraid I’d be unhappy with them but I won’t resist when I can have all three and a fast forward button, plus the extras about the making of, which fascinate me. I figure that super deluxe set will it stores in about a year. Meanwhile I’ll be listening to the soundtrack today.
Rick, you’re right about the greed in extending Tolkien’s shortest book into a trilogy of films. One critic wrote that you could read the book faster than watching the movies!
I’ve heard that a lot. I’m curious if I’ll feel the same way when I see it tomorrow night. Irregardless of how I feel about it, my complete opinion will be ultimately informed by the Extended Editions. I’ve enjoyed the EE’s of these films much more than the theatrical versions, especially with all the behind the scenes stuff. It is apparent that this group loved being a part of this experience. They still don’t come close to how amazing the EE Lord of the Rings films are, but I’ve enjoyed them.