The Hobbit Movie - An Unexpected Journey

Bilbo Baggins is played by Martin Freeman. I don't watch much TV but I'm familiar with Martin Freeman having watched him in The Office and more recently Sherlock. Excellent choice for the hobbit, I'm so pleased to see a British actor in the role. 

Freeman's Sherlock Holmes co-star is in The Hobbit film too, he plays Smaug the dragon. 

If you're wondering who Martin Freeman is, the check out the excellent BBC Drama, Sherlock (as in Holmes.) Freeman plays Dr Watson to Cumberbatch's modern day Sherlock Holmes. That will give you something to watch while you wait for the Hobbit movie. 

The first Hobbit Movie, An Unexpected Journey is due for US release on Friday December 14th 2012. 

Yes! The Unexpected Journey, first Hobbit Movie UK release date is Friday 14 December 2012. We won't have to wait longer. 

I am really looking forward to the Hobbit films. I first read The Hobbit as a child at primary school. The Hobbit is of course a children's book by Tolkien, but it's well loved by adults too as the prequel to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. 

I've decided to re-read The Hobbit before the movie comes out. I'm reading the early chapters aloud to my children. At 5 and 3.5 they are probably a bit young, but they are enjoying it so far. I may need to improvise a little when we get further in to the story, or just stop and save the rest for later. (I'll finish reading it myself though!)

I'm reading their Dad's old copy, but it's disintegrating! I think I might have to buy the Kindle edition. I know the kids will want to read it when they're older. 

You can buy the Hobbit as a paperback or in a Kindle version if you want to remind yourself of the story before the movie. 

But do expect Peter Jackson to make some changes - he certainly did with the Lord of the Rings movies. 

There is a cartoon version of the Hobbit that was made in 1977. This one does have a PG rating. 

I don't think I've seen it, I've just ordered a copy to share with my kids. This version of the Hobbit has a PG rating and reviewers suggest it's suitable even for young children. 

It won't be up to the cinematic standards of Peter Jackson's Hobbit adaptations, but it looks like a good alternative for younger kids.