Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It's nine years since the finale of the Lord of the Rings saga, The Return of the King, premiered in 2003, but now Tolkeinites are a-quiver again as they await the first instalment in a new Hobbit trilogy, which hits cinemas Thursday. Can it recapture that old magic? Well, critics are split, but there's a lot of admiration out there for Peter Jackson's epic vision.
Screen rate
Over at the Den of Geek NP Horton says there's one thing about this film that can't be overlooked (or under-looked or anything but looked-at-in-horror) - the frame rate: at 48 fps instead of a traditional 24, The Hobbit looks like "a cheap soap opera". Most of the film looks "completely unrealistic and fake". These are strong words, and particularly damaging since Orcs, elfs and wizards are prominently featured here. It's altogether a shame, says Norton, as The Hobbit is "a triumph in almost every other regard".
Stretched
The Independent's Geoffrey Macnab has concerns that the material is overstretched, this being the first part in a trilogy based on what is, when it comes down to it, a fairly slim children's book: "For all the sound and fury, not a great deal actually happens." Swirling camera-work can't hide the fact that producers have made three sandwiches out of the ingredients for two, tops.
Friends again
Forget the naysayers, booms Metro's Ross McG. There's a lot of the good old fellowship on show here: An Unexpected Journey "has the same camaraderie" that made the first series so great. In fact, this film follows so closely the trajectory of the first Fellowship movie, it almost feels like a retread. And that's no bad thing.
Precious
Peter Bradshaw at the Guardian enjoyed the crunching battles, Gandalf's re-appearance and Martin Freeman's understated performance as Bilbo. But the final word must be Gollum's. Andy Serkis, playing the part once again, gives an "ineffably creepy" turn. His battle of wits with Bilbo is "where the drama really comes alive". Overall this contains "an enormous amount of fun, energy, and a bold sense of purpose."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments