The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has built a real following in Australia on HBO Max, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Martin Freeman's performance is the anchor the more ambitious scenes need. Put it on tonight on HBO Max and see for yourself.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon. Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen lead a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey came out in 2012. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey resists the temptation to explain everything, trusting the audience to sit with ambiguity. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Martin Freeman grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.