Preview - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

With one of the biggest casts imaginable featuring some great names in the acting world, Peter Jackson has managed to stir up quite a level of excitement over his new film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which is currently being filmed. Unfortunately we won't see the film until December 2012, but I thought it worth giving you a sneak peak into the world of The Hobbit.

If you regularly check out So I Saw This Film you probably won't have failed to miss the casting updates that have been posted. Most recently, Lost star Evangeline Lilly was added to the cast. British acting legend Stephen Fry was confirmed a while back, as was Flight Of The Conchords member Bret McKenzie. In a huge cast it would be safe to assume some big names, but Jackson has literally packed it full of exciting talent. As well as those already mentioned we can look forward to Hugo Weaving, Brian Blessed, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis and James Nesbitt. Phew! And breath...

Let take a gander at the story shall we? We'll start simple with the small synopsis given to us by IMDB: "Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - B

So we move on to look at those films that didn't make it to my 'B' position on My Cinematic Alphabet but are still worthy of a mention. Remember that this is a regular feature and be sure to keep checking it out. Thanks y'all!

B

The Butterfly Effect

I know not everyone is a fan of this film and it has taken some stick over the years but for me it was moving and touching. I haven't bothered watching any of the sequels because they look rubbish and because I wanted to remember this film in a good light. I thought the story was brilliant and the way it was brought to the screen was fantastic. I'm sure it will be a controversial pick but I think it deserves a mention.

The Beach

Again I don't think this film was the most popular, but after reading the book I thought the movie did justice to the Alex Garland novel. I found the film moving and poignant and I thought it was one of those films that makes you just want to get up and go somewhere. Leonardo DiCaprio was brilliant and he portrayed a character, who at times was extremely disturbed, effectively.

Back To The Future

The first Robert Zemeckis film to show up on My Cinemtic Alphabet: In Depth so far but by no means the last. Most of my favourite films of all time have come from him and I appart from the Coen Brothers he has to be my favourite modern director. Every time I see this film I am whisked away to my childhood and I think any film that can do that well deserves merit.

Babel

This film has got to be one of the most beautiful cinematic experiences I've ever had. The cinematography shown was sublime and the story was truly moving. Possibly Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett's best performances for me. If you haven't seen this one you are seriously missing out.

Beowulf

Told you there was more Zemeckis to come. I think this has to be one of my favourite animated films. The action and fight scenes are so enjoyably brutal and a whole host of stars lend their voice talents including Ray Winstone and John Malkovich. Check this one out.

You May Also Like:
My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - A

Ian Holm To Play Bilbo Again

Sir Ian Holm

Peter Jackson's upcoming production of The Hobbit will see Ian Holm reprise his role as loveable hobbit Bilbo Baggins revealed Total Film and will play the older role of Bilbo alongside Martin Freeman who will star as the young version of the character. Peter Jackson revealed the news via his Facebook page after questions about a voice heard in the teaser video released last week.

The Hobbit: Part 1 has already begun filming but won't see release until December 2012. Alongside Sir Ian Holm will be a host of big stars, some reprising their roles from The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and some making a first appearance. Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, David Tennant, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, James Nesbitt, Ian McKellen and even one half of the comedy music duo Flight Of The Conchords (Bret McKenzie) will all be featuring.

You May Also Like:
Peter Jackson Begins Filming For 'The Hobbit' 

Robin Hood (2010)

Good Take On A Classic - 4/5

So I saw this film yesterday called 'Robin Hood'. This was Ridley Scott's take on the adventures of the fabled English character and is now among my favourite films of the story. Unlike many other Robin Hood films, this one focused on his early story before he became an outlaw. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't see much 'stealing from the rich to give to the poor' in this film but seeing the story from a fresh perspective was a nice surprise. This is not the only way Scott's adaptation differs from others such as 'Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves'. This version had a tangibly darker feel than the normal family films we are given. Although these types of films are enjoyable, seeing a more violent and overall more adult version was also refreshing. However, I think Scott could have taken this further. The film should have been bumped up to a 15 rating to enable more violence and blood. At times it felt a bit tame and I think if it was going to be a dark take on the tale Scott should have gone all out to make it so.

Russell Crowe made a decent hero in his usual monotonous way. He was effective but I don't think he made the perfect Robin Hood. Kevin Costner was definitely more suited to the role. Crowe's followers, including Scott Grimes and Kevin Durand, provided us with entertainment throughout and were a good addition. Cate Blanchett was a standout performance for me. She portrayed the less stereotypical Maid Marion in that she showed a feisty side to the role that is rarely reported. Another stand out was Max von Sydow who was evocative and moving as Sir Walter Loxley. His was possibly the best performance. It was a nice treat to see Mark Addy also who, since 'The Full Monty', has graced us on the big screen far too scarcely.

This film brought with it much more than I expected and I was surprised at how much a enjoyed the fresh take on a classic fable.

Peter Jackson begins prodution of The Hobbit

Warner Brothers have announced today that production from the new film 'The Hobbit', which will chart the journeys of Bilbo Baggins and be brought to us over two parts, has begun in New Zealand where the famed 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy was also created by the famous director. So what can you look to expect from the film which won't see release until December 2012?

Long time 'Lord Of The Rings' actors Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen are reported to be featuring but you can also expect to see some of a number of rumoured new stars including James Nesbitt, David Tennant and even the great Leonard Nemoy! We'll have to wait and see just how many of these new stars get on board but even with just a few of them this film looks set to make huge numbers at the box office.