NEWS
EVENTS
One does not simply just make one fantasy trilogy…
Other | Wednesday 19th September 2012 | Osh
With three months to go until the release of the first instalment of Peter Jackson’s epic directorial undertaking, what can we expect from this highly anticipated movie series?
Excitement has been building for months concerning the movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, with the opener set to be released to droves of fans on 14th December this year. It will undoubtedly make an absolute killing at the box office, following the huge success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy from 2001-2003. The question is, can Jackson do it again, or has this adventure been built up to be a let-down? Will viewers be left with a bitter taste in their mouths that no amount of popcorn can disguise?
The answer: highly unlikely. I watched the trailer for the first part, An Unexpected Journey, more times than is healthy when it was first released. So did many other fans. I’m assuming that we will be doing the same for the film itself. Once again, Jackson has assembled a stellar cast, with some new faces alongside a few reprised roles. Screen legends Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee are back, along with the creeping CGI form of Andy Serkis and the stern, wise presence of Hugo Weaving, whilst actors fresh to the franchise include television’s Sherlock pairing of Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch, and the much-loved Stephen Fry. Apparently, Elijah Wood is also coming back for some or all of the three planned films – though hopefully without the gormless expressions this time.
The story itself doesn’t need an introduction: essentially, a hobbit, a wizard and a motley crew of dwarves set off to destroy a dragon. However, Jackson is expected to put his own twist on this grand production, so we could well see more of a focus on some of the side shows of the novel: Gandalf’s role of trying to prevent the inevitable future war by tracking down antagonist Sauron should be more prevalent than in the book. The usual array of massive battles will no doubt make a glorious return – especially in the later movies, despite their somewhat fringed presence in the novel – along with mind-blowing graphics and frankly epic music… and swapping a set of winged beasts for a single one that breathes fire will surely draw in the crowds.
With the final two parts coming out in the next two years, there’s plenty of fantasy action to look forward to. Yes, it may be overkill to do yet another trilogy, and yes, maybe viewers are being rinsed a little bit, shelling out for three tickets instead of one or two. As far as I’m concerned, along with the multitude of Tolkien fans, take my money, because it’s going to be worth it.
By Dave Rees
