The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits UAE screens

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan
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The Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson returns to the Middle Earth of his deservedly acclaimed The Lord of the Rings movies for this cinematic adaptation of Tolkein’s first visit to that mythical land.

Although the novel The Hobbit reads younger than the LOTR epics, this tale (actually the first of three movies based on the slim book) of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his adventures with a clutch of dwarfs fighting to regain their kingdom isn’t one for junior audiences.

Little kids will hide under the seats at the sight of the Orcs (especially their scarred leader), the creepy Gollum (Andy Serkis) and the goblins, whose underground scrabbling is reminiscent of the 2005 British horror movie The Descent.

But adults will enjoy the battles and adventures that speed past at a merry old pace. At the centre are terrific performances from Freeman and Richard Armitage as the dwarf Thorin, plus all the lush scenery, majesty and magic we’ve come to expect from Jackson – strengths that will have us counting the days until part two.