The not-so "unexpected journey" of the Hobbit fits into the mold introduced by the Lord of the Rings trilogy and achieves the same "epicness," beauty, charm and tension. The technical audacity of Jackson's picture is something to marvel at: the set design, cinematography and revolutionary high frame rate dazzle the eye and excite the mind.

Too many films look good without being good. Jackson uses his techniques to create a world different from ours and yet it enchants us with its beauty and thrills us with its story. We relate to the characters and embrace the journey with them.

The journey encompasses a long trek towards the misty mountains to the dwarf city of Erebor. Long ago the dwarves lived in Erebor with great luxury - the city was built on top of land that contained gold and precious stones.

But a dragon named Smaug wished it to be his own. Smaug attacked the dwarf city, killing and exiling many dwarves from their homes. As a result Gandalf has put together a team of dwarves to go slay the dragon and reclaim their home, as well as their treasure.

Bilbo is not a dwarf, but a Hobbit. And Hobbits do not get involved in such adventurous and dangerous matters.

"Who are these dwarves to barge into his home uninvited and unwelcome?" he thinks. Gandalf has assembled a team of 13 dwarves and has made Bilbo's house the rendezvous.

Some may think this 30minute scene of the dwarves eating Bilbo's food is a little bit on the long side, but I thought the length was appropriate. Not only does this scene satirize the differences in culture between the British and the Irish, it also allows us to get into the mind of Bilbo and relate to him. His routine has become old, but he is reluctant to take risks. In our society, is this not a major problem?

We often get into a routine and become comfortable with it, not leaving any time for things outside of it.

abrita Although there are things to love about The Hobbit, the film is not perfect by any means. There is a plot hole so big it threatens the legitimacy of all the events along the journey.

There is a scene when the group is caught up by an assemblage of orcs. Gandalf calls upon a group of eagles to save them from the situation. And so the company flies away to safety.

Why didn't they fly on the eagles from the beginning of the journey? They could have avoided all the dangers they encountered along the way.

Flaws and all, The Hobbit is a fun, lighthearted film that never forgets to entertain. I look forward to the sequel that is scheduled to be released next year.

. Joshua Cabrita is a Grade 11 student at Riverside Secondary. He is a founding member of the school's movie club, where students meet to view old classics and discuss their meaning and significance. One of his audacious dreams is to become a full-time professional film critic.