FilmSnobReviews

Title: Tolkien
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Dome Karukoski
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, Colm Meaney
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins

What It Is: This is a biopic of The Lord of the Rings author and creator John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (Hoult) known professionally as J.R.R. Tolkien. Here we get to see Tolkien as a young man. One who’s love of languages and unstoppable thirst for knowledge turns fantasy literature into a literal art form. Changing it forever. Where does a man get such inspirations? From his friends and the woman, he loves of course! For Tolkien, that’s Edith Bratt the real inspiration that created Middle Earth.

What We Think: So the film is a little sloppy in execution and a veritable bore narratively speaking. Save for a few shots that are really fantastic looking. Outside of that, this film is a complete waste. Hoult is a good actor and he deserves far better than the stuff he’s been in. David Gleeson and Stephen Beresford wrote this thing and there’s for sure room for improvement. The jump in the 3rd act doesn’t really work. As I said there is one scene three quarter through that feels out of place. It is also the best scene in the entirety of the film.

Our Grade: D, Outside of that ONE shot this whole thing seems a waste. Of talent, of time and of a story. One that could’ve been better told with someone else behind the pen. I’m certain Karukoski has some talent. The Finnish director has several other films under his belt. This one just didn’t work. I cannot recommend this one, not in the least bit. Perhaps just go rewatch Peter Jacksons cinematic interpretation of Tolkien’s magnum opus. It’s almost 7 hours long and well more interesting then this thing is. Someone call Nicholas Hoult’s agent…and fire him