Short character takes big screen

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage

Grade: A

For fans of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Hobbit” is the only tissue that could dry the tears that came in 2003 at the end of the epic film saga.

But nine years after Samwise Gamgee said “I’m home” at the end of “The Return of the King,” director Peter Jackson finally took pity on the world by releasing the prequel to trilogy. With “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” being the first installment in a three-part series, Jackson is off to a valiant start, but one that should surely build into an epic series, mirroring the grand exploit of the “Lord of the Rings.”

Before Frodo Baggins — the protagonist of the “Lord of the Rings” series — there was another hobbit, who, much like his nephew, had a reluctant attraction to adventure. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), the first of author J.R.R. Tolkien’s hobbit heroes, acts as the catalyst in “An Unexpected Journey” for Frodo’s future journey, and through an unlikely set of events, he leaves his comfortable hole-in-the-ground home to pursue a life filled with Middle-earth adventures.

Bilbo has lived his entire life quietly and without circumstance in Hobbiton — a small part of The Shire, which remains one of the safest places in Middle-earth and separated from all unexpected creatures. But when towering wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) steps on Bilbo’s front step, it’s clear that Bilbo’s life of good food and tobacco does not meet the plans Gandalf has for him.

Soon, Bilbo’s house is filled with dwarves — a filthy, crude and debaucherous group — who are set on a mission to retake their old kingdom that the dragon Smaug overtook in his pursuit for treasures. Led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), the reigning king of the dwarves’ obliterated kingdom, the group sets out on a harrowing journey on which they encounter orcs, a trio of boorish trolls, elves and the creature Gollum (voice reprised by Andy Serkis) — all of which are important and tragic characters in both “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.”

“An Unexpected Journey” is littered with references to the doom that occurs later in Middle-earth’s history. It all starts with the One Ring that rules all other Rings of Power and has the potential to conquer all of Middle-earth.

Bilbo encounters the One Ring in this first installment, and though no one realizes the importance of it at the time, he uses its ability to make him invisible when escaping from a cave crawling with goblins.

“An Expected Journey” presents a bold beginning to the series, with brilliant effects, a fantastic plot and epic battles, which Jackson frames perfectly. Though many fans were concerned about Jackson’s choice to cut the story into three sections, the first installment proves that LOTR junkies should trust the man who originally took the world to Middle-earth.

Freeman takes on the challenging role of Bilbo and performs wonderfully. He acts as a stubborn and ignorant hobbit who is in search of adventure — of course, after some persuasion. Though his character frequently feels unwelcome among his burly counterparts, it’s clear by the end of the film that Bilbo plays a vital role in the company.

While Bilbo is far from the comfort of his underground home replete with books and maps, his journey is to help the dwarves recover more than just a mountain filled with treasure. “I miss my books, and my armchair, and my garden,” Bilbo tells them. “See, that’s where I belong; that’s home, and that’s why I came, ’cause you don’t have one … a home. It was taken from you, but I will help you take it back, if I can.”

As always, McKellen acts like a persevering caretaker as Gandalf, and when the dwarves and Bilbo get into trouble, he works his magic to get them out of it. Armitage, playing the leader of the dwarves, is a good casting choice for the dwarf king. He resonates an authority that is similar to Aragorn’s in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy — an authority that fans expect from a king.

“An Unexpected Journey” remains true to the cheerfully optimistic tone of “The Hobbit,” which contrasts with the more somber and sinister depiction of Middle-earth in “The Lord of the Rings.”

“An Unexpected Journey” doesn’t contain the same sort of intense plot and violent battles as depicted by “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, but that’s because Middle-earth is not yet under attack. The 13 dwarves laugh, sing boisterously and over drink — all things that don’t happen as frequently in “The Lord of the Rings.” But “The Hobbit” only leads to the epic trilogy; it does not replicate it. It is supposed to be light and fun, and the silly nature of the movie imitates the lighthearted tone of the book.

While “An Unexpected Journey” may not live up to the expectations of those looking for another installment of “The Lord of the Rings,” it certainly creates an accurate representation of Middle-earth for fans loyal to the trilogy and its prequel.