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.