I don’t care if the entire movie going world hates the Hobbit movies; I love them. I realize only one of the three total has been released, but I already know that when the others come out I will be deliriously happy. For me, Peter Jackson’s entire Tolkien movie endeavor is wonderful. I watch and re-watch the extended editions on DVD when I feel down or up or anything in between and they always make me happy.
Since the release of the first in the Hobbit trilogy I have heard from countless people that they we’re disgruntled about the whole shebang. I cannot take it, as a fan and as a positive person I just don’t want to hear it anymore. So I will address the series of complaints I have heard so they can be put to rest and everyone can get together and have Hobbit pajama parties with me (if anyone would actually do this, please contact me).
“Why make a children’s book into three movies?”- I should answer this with a simple, “why not?” but I digress. If it is a book I love why wouldn’t I want more of it?! Think of it like delicious pickles– if someone offered to me three I would never ever say, “no, just one is fine.” I would be psyched about eating three pickles because there is no downside to that. They aren’t super filling so I wouldn’t feel that uncomfortable type of full, they aren’t unhealthy so they wouldn’t make me fat and my breath will be bad after one, so why not three? The extra two won’t make my breath any different after the initial bite and now I’ve enjoyed so much pickle goodness.
“Legolas wasn’t in the book, he shouldn’t be in the movie.”- We all had to see that coming though, am I right? I don’t think Orlando Bloom is overly talented, but he is pretty to look at. Plus, he provided the Lord of the Rings trilogy with much needed moments of gazing dramatically into the distance. I knew when important stuff was happening because eerie music would play and Legolas would get serious and look far away. Also, it doesn’t hurt the plot line to add him in here because (prepare for a “Nerd Moment”, from now on I will preface these with “NM”) if you read further into Tolkien legend, his father Thranduil is the Elvenking. So it stands to reason that if he was a key player in the Hobbit’s journey, his son Legolas was around somewhere.
Look, Orlando Bloom needs this okay? This role was the coolest thing he will ever do so don’t take that away from him.
“But they are adding Lady Elf characters that’s weren’t created by Tolkien.”- Yes, once again Peter Jackson threw in a character not from the original text. I will play a tiny violin for the purists. The Elf Tauriel, played by Evangeline Lilly was most likely thrown into the adventure to sell posters to nerd boys and figurines to girls but she is a win-win in my mind. For girls, she seems to be a strong, capable role model and for boys they will be fantasizing about a fully clothed and independent minded fictional character rather than stealing their dad’s playboys from under his bed.
“Ugh, they just put Legolas and Tauriel both in so they could have a cheesy, plot irrelevant romance.”- Yeah, I’m a little miffed about this aspect too. However, this alone is not reason to hate the entire franchise, just throw a tantrum in the theatre whenever they kiss and I will do the same.
“The first one was just so boring.”- Um, I’m sorry… what?! First of all, just no. Second, if that is someone’s opinion, nobody is forcing them at gunpoint to see these films (although watch out once I get my permit).
Every movie these days has a Michael Bay-esque explosion or a ninja fight on top of a moving train (not complaining about that one). Why can a series of cinematic masterpieces build a story and develop characters for a change? Is it really so terrible to be told a good story that takes some time to pick up? The second movie will deliver on the action, but now it feels like the audience has earned that by gathering important information in the first one. It is not boring, it is complex and in-depth; two traits I would personally like to see more.
“Peter Jackson just didn’t do a good job.”- As “nonono cat” would say… no no no. Peter Jackson is a fan just like anyone else. He read the books, he loved the story and he felt attached. Except in his case he actually did something about his fandom more than just bitching on websites about other people’s artistic endeavors. Jackson got studio funding, spent years of his life and poured over details to create one of the most impressive series of films of all time; he gets to do whatever he wants. If he chose to have the smurfs enter Smaug’s mountain and throw marshmallows at the dragon I would say, “you earned that sir.”
No matter what, Jackson was never going to please everyone so who can fault him for making the interpretation he wanted to see? I say, if someone wants to see different, they can make a movie.
Beyond just respecting Jackson’s hard work and dedication, these movies stand for everything Tolkien wanted. (Upcoming NM) In a 1951 letter J.R.R. Tolkien himself wrote of other artists taking Middle-earth further; he says, “The cycles should be linked to the majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama.” In simpler terms, art is art and we should all be positively looking to build each other up creatively. If all pieces stand on their own, not open for interpretation and collaboration we hurt ourselves and our endeavors.
None of this means that everyone has to like The Hobbit movies, but who turns down three pickles?
Learning to be Funny 