Movie Review: The Hobbit

First I have to confess to reading half the book in 7th grade, 20ish years ago. Of course I don't remember anything from the book. Therefore, I have no idea if it was a good adaptation. I know that there were parts of the story added and parts elaborated on, which changes the story. To me, it was a wonderful movie.

What I liked:
I liked seeing familiar faces and places from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  I thought this was very similar in certain spots, which was great, but i loved the unique moments too.

I adored the dinner party with the dwarfs - hilarious!

I enjoyed Gandalf and Bilbo meeting outside his house.

I adored Richard Armitage (since I saw North and South). There's something piercing about his eyes.

I enjoyed the banter between the dwarfs - they were funny, charming, and fierce!

The moment where Bilbo and Golem meet - Gollum was equally  entertaining and creepy.

The scenery was gorgeous - loved this scene and how it was filmed.

What I didn't Like:
The Stone Giants - that part seemed out of place - like it belonged in a Transformers movie

The camera angles at times made it hard to follow. Several occasions, the action was too fast to see. Before I could decipher what was happening, the action changed.

Not part of the movie, but the people behind us were Chatty. I wanted to pull a Kate Hudson on them or at least give them my best librarian shush. I did neither, silently seething and missing bits of the movie because I couldn't hear it.

Overall: I can't wait for the next installment!

Sunday Matinee: Dark Knight Rises

I was super excited to see this movie as my husband and I both loved the first two movies. Yes, they're dark. Yes, they're long. But yes, they're brilliant.

After watching it, I fired several questions at my husband about logistics with the plot - but overall, I just took it with a grain of salt. There were times characters did things and I didn't understand the reasoning behind it. Somethings we debated and somethings I just let go and enjoyed my overall feeling.

I liked that it came 8 years later. I liked how Bruce Wayne became a reclusive and a cynic after the ending of the previous movie. 

I love that everyone came back for the movie. I adore both Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

I loved that Liam Neeson had a small role. 

I thought that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was perfect in his role. He was determined and relentless in his hope to save Gotham. I hope to see more of him.

Anne Hathaway was awesome as Cat Woman - she was clever, manipulative, and adorable. She had great outfits, which reminded me of the old Hollywood style

I loved the the cameos from some of my favorite TV shows and movies:
Jamie from Blue Bloods (also played a cop)
Franki Rizzoli Jr  from Rizzoli and Isles
Ranger from One for the Money
Tom Conti from Louisa May Alcott's Inheritance.

I liked the fact that there was no mention of the Joker - which I read in EW was done out of respect.

I loved the climax twist.  I never saw it coming. The ending of the trilogy was brilliant, absolutely perfect. I admit that I teared up at the ending, but it was followed by a smile. 

What did you think?

Trailer Thursdays: New Year's Eve

I LOVE these kinds of movies - the best being Love Actually, but I did like Valentine's Day. I love the all star cast.



Thoughts?