Tricks Are For Hobbits

Better than the Bakshi version of "The Lord Of the Rings" that tanked at the box office, and due to remain the only filmed version of Tolkein's first book in his saga, this uneven, but entertaining made for TV cartoon is the best adaptation of Tokein's work to date. Until the new live action version comes out this Christmas.

It has its problems, the animation is less than first rate, and the various versions of Tolkein's songs frankly stink (on the other hand, Glen Yarborough's theme song "The Greatest Adventure" is easy on the ears). And, the characterization suffers from the translation. The Dwarves come across as mean, cowardly, pompous, and greedy. And as with the Bakshi version, too much gets left out.

Its good points are a lively collection of voice actors, some old pros like Don Messick (Dr. Quest, Boo-Boo, and Scooby Doo), mixed in with some actors who normally do live action, like John Huston (a very good Gandalf), Cyril Richard (Elrond, Richard Boone (great as the dragon Smaug), and Orson Bean as the hero, Bilbo Baggins. Bean's characterization is good, if slightly too American Surbuban at times (he uses the word "hideous" too often). Still, he manages to carry off the later, more tricky Bilbo, with a certain amount of aplomb. Check out his verbal duel with Smaug, for example.

Mostly this is a cartoon, aimed at kids, and therein lays the movies strength and weakness. Kids will love it, and parents should use it as an excuse to get the book. I certainly got the book not long after I saw the movie. However, be warned. The book is better, much better.