I recently decided to re-read The Hobbit. My goal is to refresh the J.R.R. Tolkien story in my head as we approach the Dec. 14, 2012 release of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
I’m already reaping the benefits in unexpected ways, especially now that we have the first official trailer. A good example is the Dwarves’ song about the Pines. I envisioned it as more upbeat, but I really love the more meditative, drone-like chant. Though reading that passage again, Tolkien describes it as “deep-throated singing of the dwarves in the deep places of their ancient homes.” Not particularly upbeat, Jane.
The story follows unsuspecting hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he’s swept from his humble home in The Shire into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Approached by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakensheild (Richard Armitage).
Their adventure takes them through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins, Orcs, deadly Wargs, Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Bilbo finally crosses paths with the creature Gollum (Andy Serkis), where he gains possession of the “precious” ring in which the fate of all Middle Earth rests.
It is, by no means, the beginning of this tale; you’d have to reach back to [amazon_link id=”0345466462″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Silmarillion[/amazon_link] for that — but I’m sure it’ll be a fitting prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I’m so glad Peter Jackson is at the helm. He’s really the only person who can bring this story to the big screen.
The cast also includes Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Elijah Wood (Frodo) Jeffrey Thomas (Thror) Mike Mizrahi (Thrain), Evangeline Lilly (Tauriel), and Hugo Weaving (Elrond). In addition to Armitage, the Dwarves are as follows: Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur), James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori).
Read more about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey on Reel Life With Jane, the film’s official site, and the official blog. Take a look at the trailer and tell me what you think. Does it get you psyched for the movie?
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