The Hobbit

Hollywood can be credited with the creation of the word 'prequel'. It all started with the the success of Star Wars. The film and its two sequels were such a hit, that to exploit their commercial success, the producers came out with a series of 3 prequels.

Now the formula is being repeated with Lord of the Rings I, II & III.The story of The Hobbit takes place 60 years before LOTR series. 

So what is a Hobbit - a bobbittized human? Just could be, as women are conspicuous by their absence in these yarns (the lanky Cate Blanchett is the exception)! They are more like a timid form of 'Bigfoot' - just big and hairy in the foot department and small everywhere else. they inhabit a small village in Middle Earth - an imaginary dimension dreamed up by Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins is shanghaied into this epic adventure by the wily wizard Gandalf. Bilbo leaves his idyllic and epicurean existence and waltzes off with a hirsute bunch of eccentric dwarfs led by their dethroned and brooding King.

During their quest they encounter CGIs of weird creatures; I found the Trolls the most entertaining.

 

 The 3D effects are stunning (though vertiginous at times, so stay off the popcorn if you have a fear of heights) - the raindrops and fluttering birds and butterflies are very realistic.

We get to meet Gollum and his Precious - one of the Rings of the eventual saga.

 

The background score is very melodious and blends well with the visuals - resonances form the LOTR are evident at times and the sound effects are stupendous - a bit loud at times.

Definitely worth a watch. I'm awaiting the next two episodes eagerly.