Movies

[gbservis]

I agree with all the grievances you both raised. My biggest issue with the Hobbit films is the fundamental mismatch in tone between the source material and the movies. Tolkien intentionally wrote The Hobbit as a story for younger readers. It’s far more whimsical and fairy tale like than The Lord of the Rings or his other Middle-earth writings, with a lightness and charm that define its identity.

In adapting it, Peter Jackson leaned even more heavily into CGI spectacle and extended, graphic sequences featuring grotesque orcs and other monsters than he did in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. That stylistic choice pushed the films in this strange grimdark fantasy rather than the playful adventure tone that makes the book so distinctive. I've read the book with both of my young kids and they loved it but they are years away from those movies being anywhere near age appropriate for them which to me really underscores how badly Jackson missed the mark in capturing Tolkien's true intentions with the Hobbit.

I still hope that one day someone will create a Hobbit adaptation that more closely reflects the spirit of the book not just in plot, but in its levity, and warmth. It’s such a beautiful story, and it could become a truly magical film.

 

[mgarbowski]

I agree with all the grievances you both raised. My biggest issue with the Hobbit films is the fundamental mismatch in tone between the source material and the movies. Tolkien intentionally wrote The Hobbit as a story for younger readers. It’s far more whimsical and fairy tale like than The Lord of the Rings or his other Middle-earth writings, with a lightness and charm that define its identity.

In adapting it, Peter Jackson leaned even more heavily into CGI spectacle and extended, graphic sequences featuring grotesque orcs and other monsters than he did in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. That stylistic choice pushed the films in this strange grimdark fantasy rather than the playful adventure tone that makes the book so distinctive. I've read the book with both of my young kids and they loved it but they are years away from those movies being anywhere near age appropriate for them which to me really underscores how badly Jackson missed the mark in capturing Tolkien's true intentions with the Hobbit.

I still hope that one day someone will create a Hobbit adaptation that more closely reflects the spirit of the book not just in plot, but in its levity, and warmth. It’s such a beautiful story, and it could become a truly magical film.

He chose to make a sequel prequel to his movies inspired by the outline of The Hobbit. That's not the worst possible thing, but it's very much not a book adaptation.

 

[joe]

I agree with all the grievances you both raised. My biggest issue with the Hobbit films is the fundamental mismatch in tone between the source material and the movies. Tolkien intentionally wrote The Hobbit as a story for younger readers. It’s far more whimsical and fairy tale like than The Lord of the Rings or his other Middle-earth writings, with a lightness and charm that define its identity.

In adapting it, Peter Jackson leaned even more heavily into CGI spectacle and extended, graphic sequences featuring grotesque orcs and other monsters than he did in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. That stylistic choice pushed the films in this strange grimdark fantasy rather than the playful adventure tone that makes the book so distinctive. I've read the book with both of my young kids and they loved it but they are years away from those movies being anywhere near age appropriate for them which to me really underscores how badly Jackson missed the mark in capturing Tolkien's true intentions with the Hobbit.

I still hope that one day someone will create a Hobbit adaptation that more closely reflects the spirit of the book not just in plot, but in its levity, and warmth. It’s such a beautiful story, and it could become a truly magical film.

And of course I'm only watching it now because I'm trying to introduce it to my kid.

 

[gbservis]

And of course I'm only watching it now because I'm trying to introduce it to my kid.

I have not watched it yet but there is a well regarded re-edit called the M4-book edit, where someone re-edited the 3 movies to better align the story with the book.

M4's The Hobbit Fan Edit – Tolkien Inspired Recut

The M4 edit recuts Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film trilogy into a single movie that follows J.R.R. Tolkien's book more closely.

m4studios.github.io

My plan was the watch this version to see if it would be something I could watch with the kids. Once I get through it I'll report back.

 

[FootyLovin]

I have not watched it yet but there is a well regarded re-edit called the M4-book edit, where someone re-edited the 3 movies to better align the story with the book.

M4's The Hobbit Fan Edit – Tolkien Inspired Recut

The M4 edit recuts Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film trilogy into a single movie that follows J.R.R. Tolkien's book more closely.

m4studios.github.io

My plan was the watch this version to see if it would be something I could watch with the kids. Once I get through it I'll report back.

Can't you just ask an AI bot to create a full lengthen motion picture that strictly adheres to the book?

Why even watch a studio movie anymore? Yeesh.

 

[mgarbowski]

I’m a bit hesitant to hype Hail Mary given the money it’s making and praise already heaped on it. It’s not an all time great. But it’s damn good and the visuals are worth seeing on a big screen. I just got out of the 70mm IMAX at Lincoln Center which was packed for an 11am Tuesday showing. The simulated space visuals are stunning. Stay for the credits which features actual astrophotography.

 

[RunningWise]

I’m a bit hesitant to hype Hail Mary given the money it’s making and praise already heaped on it. It’s not an all time great. But it’s damn good and the visuals are worth seeing on a big screen. I just got out of the 70mm IMAX at Lincoln Center which was packed for an 11am Tuesday showing. The simulated space visuals are stunning. Stay for the credits which features actual astrophotography.

Really enjoyed the book and figured the movie would be enjoyable. Going this weekend to check it out.

 

[CCMore]

A mgarbowski vote of approval? I’m jazzed! I loved the book and heading to the nighthawk now with my wife to see it. She’s going in blind so I’m excited about her reaction to the plot twist

 

[LionNYC]

I’m a bit hesitant to hype Hail Mary given the money it’s making and praise already heaped on it. It’s not an all time great. But it’s damn good and the visuals are worth seeing on a big screen. I just got out of the 70mm IMAX at Lincoln Center which was packed for an 11am Tuesday showing. The simulated space visuals are stunning. Stay for the credits which features actual astrophotography.

I'll be seeing it next week on the same screen. I have to sit in the back row of that theater towards the center, so had to wait to a bit to get a good ticket.

 

[mgarbowski]

I'll be seeing it next week on the same screen. I have to sit in the back row of that theater towards the center, so had to wait to a bit to get a good ticket.

I bought this ticket a full week ago and was shocked at how few seat options I had for a Tuesday morning showing. I'm ok being near either end if I'm in the back and that was about all that was left. I was surprised that the front rows sold before the back.

 

[Kenny]

I loved the book and saw the movie last weekend. I'm curious to hear from those who see it without having read the book--were you able to follow what was happening? It felt like the movie was zooming from plot point to plot point just gliding over the details of how and why. But then again, I saw The Martian without having read the book and it's still one of my top 5 favorite movies ever.