The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Synopsis:
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys the peace and comfort of his quiet life in the Shire, but everything changes when the wizard Gandalf the Grey arrives at his door with an unexpected proposition. Bilbo is swept into an epic quest alongside thirteen dwarves, led by the determined Thorin Oakenshield, who are on a mission to reclaim their ancestral mountain home from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Though reluctant at first, Bilbo joins this unlikely company of adventurers as they journey across Middle-earth, facing dangerous creatures and formidable obstacles along the way. The group encounters allies like the eccentric wizard Radagast the Brown and adversaries including the menacing Great Goblin. This grand adventure transforms the unassuming hobbit as he discovers courage and resourcefulness he never knew he possessed, proving that even the smallest person can make the greatest difference.
Where To Watch: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Parental Feedback
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey offers an epic fantasy adventure with a blend of whimsical humor and intense action sequences that unfolds over a substantial runtime of nearly three hours. Parents should anticipate a mix of lighthearted moments featuring the reluctant hobbit hero alongside darker, more menacing scenes involving goblins, trolls, and the looming threat of a dragon. The pacing balances quieter character-building scenes with extended battle sequences, creating a journey that requires patience but rewards viewers with rich world-building and themes of courage, friendship, and stepping outside one's comfort zone.
Why Kids Should Watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
This fantasy adventure offers several valuable lessons and engaging elements for young viewers.
The story celebrates the unlikely hero in Bilbo Baggins, showing children that courage doesn't require physical strength or size, but rather heart and determination. His transformation from a comfort-loving homebody to a brave adventurer demonstrates that anyone can rise to meet challenges when called upon.
The ensemble cast of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, along with the wise Gandalf the Grey, creates rich opportunities to explore themes of loyalty, teamwork, and perseverance. The quest to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug the dragon emphasizes the importance of standing up for what's right and supporting one another through difficult journeys.
The film's stunning visual world-building brings Middle-earth to life with imaginative creatures, landscapes, and cultures that can spark creativity and wonder in young minds. From the Shire's cozy charm to the treacherous mountain passes, the adventure showcases diverse environments that expand children's imaginative horizons.
Director Peter Jackson's adaptation balances humor with heart, offering comedic moments that lighten the epic quest and make the lengthy runtime more accessible for family viewing. Characters like Bofur and Balin provide warmth and levity throughout the journey.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Parents should consider several potentially challenging elements before viewing with younger children.
The extended runtime of two hours and forty-nine minutes may prove difficult for younger viewers to sit through, particularly during slower-paced exposition scenes. The length requires sustained attention and patience that some children may not yet have developed.
The fantasy violence includes intense battle sequences with swords, arrows, and creatures like the Great Goblin and trolls that could frighten sensitive children. While rated PG-13, some of the darker imagery and perilous situations may be overwhelming for viewers under ten.
The film's darker atmospheric moments and menacing antagonists create tension that builds throughout, with the constant threat of danger and the ominous presence of Smaug looming over the quest. These elements contribute to an intensity level that may cause anxiety in younger or more sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey earns approval for families with children aged 10 and up who can handle fantasy violence and appreciate an epic adventure with meaningful themes of courage, friendship, and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know About The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Bilbo's journey models courage, loyalty to friends, and the importance of helping others even when it requires personal sacrifice and stepping outside one's comfort zone. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film contains intense sequences involving dangerous creatures, perilous situations, and the weight of the dwarves' loss of their homeland that may be emotionally heavy for younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters who act with greed, cruelty, or recklessness face negative outcomes, while those who show bravery and compassion are rewarded with friendship and success. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the company of dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo must work together throughout their quest, demonstrating that cooperation and mutual support are essential to overcoming obstacles. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message emphasizes that even the smallest person can make a significant difference, and that true courage means facing fears despite uncertainty. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the film's positive messages about courage, friendship, and personal growth, noting that it provides excellent opportunities for family discussions about bravery and doing the right thing. Many families find the adventure engaging and the performances, particularly Martin Freeman as Bilbo and Ian McKellen as Gandalf, captivating for viewers who enjoy fantasy storytelling. However, parents consistently advise caution regarding the runtime and intensity level, recommending the film primarily for children aged ten and older who have the maturity to handle fantasy violence and darker themes. The consensus suggests that while the film offers valuable lessons and stunning visuals, families should prepare for a significant time commitment and be ready to discuss any frightening moments with younger or more sensitive children.
Official The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Trailer
Why Kids Love The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Bilbo Baggins gets swept into a wild adventure with Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves on a secret mission to reclaim their mountain home from a dragon. The journey throws this unlikely team into one epic battle after another, with goblins, trolls, and all sorts of dangerous creatures blocking their path. Fast-paced action keeps the excitement rolling as Bilbo proves himself to his new dwarf friends.
The movie delivers wild rollercoaster moments when the group faces off against massive enemies and escapes through treacherous mountain passages. Thorin Oakenshield leads his loyal team of dwarves through forests and caves, solving puzzles and outsmarting foes at every turn. Radagast the Brown brings animal friends into the mix, adding quirky humor to the dangerous quest.
Bilbo transforms from a quiet hobbit into an unexpected hero, learning to lead alongside brave warriors like Bofur, Balin, and Fili. The teamwork between this mismatched group shows how unexpected friendships can save the day. Epic battles showcase swords clashing, magic blazing, and clever escapes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they explore nature's wildest corners together.