The Hobbit (2012)

🎬 Reel Pain – Episode 2 Show Notes

Movie Reviewed: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

In this episode of Reel Pain, John and Matthew shift from ’80s sci-fi into epic fantasy as they review The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. What starts as a conversation about nostalgia and expectations quickly becomes a thoughtful discussion on adaptation, tone, and whether a beloved story can still surprise audiences years later.

John comes into the episode with a deep personal connection to The Hobbit, having read the book multiple times growing up and viewing the film as a formative movie experience. Matthew, watching the movie for the first time more than a decade after its release, approaches it with fresh eyes and no attachment to the source material—setting up a perfect generational contrast.

The discussion explores the challenge of adapting a relatively short children’s book into a trilogy, including studio decisions, fan backlash, and Peter Jackson’s approach to expanding the story. Matthew compares the film’s structure to The Fellowship of the Ring and even The Force Awakens, noting familiar beats like the reluctant hero, the call to adventure, and a journey that feels both comforting and familiar.

Favorite moments include the “Riddles in the Dark” sequence with Gollum, the introduction of Gandalf, and the emotional weight of Bilbo’s decision to continue the journey. Both hosts praise Ian McKellen’s performance, with Matthew arguing that Gandalf carries the movie through presence, dialogue, and emotional gravity. John highlights Gandalf’s speech about small acts of kindness keeping darkness at bay as the emotional core of the film—and the moment that best defines its message.

The episode also tackles commonly criticized elements such as added scenes, musical numbers, and tonal shifts. Matthew admits the singing initially felt Disney-like but became more meaningful after learning how central music and poetry are in Tolkien’s writing. Both hosts agree that the film leans heavily into hope, warmth, and optimism—something that resonates strongly on rewatch.

Additional discussion touches on production details, CGI versus practical effects, the use of landscape as a character, and how modern audiences engage with fantasy franchises. A guest voice note adds another perspective, praising the music, performances, and overall adventure while sharing behind-the-scenes facts about the cast and production.

Final ratings reflect the overwhelmingly positive conversation, with both hosts increasing their scores after talking through the film’s themes, execution, and emotional impact. The episode closes by teasing future entries in the trilogy and reinforcing the heart of Reel Pain: sometimes revisiting a movie with an open mind reveals far more than memory—or internet outrage—ever did.