TOLKIEN (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Tolkien biopic runs slowly and dramatizes itself into dullness. Perhaps because Tolkien’s stories (the Hobbit series and the Lord of the Rings series) are so wonderfully flavored in imagination, audiences may expect this biopic to be over-the-top and it should have been, as his life story, after he and his brother are left orphans, is a miracle of one very fortunate break followed by another. The movie runs more as a light overview and does not seem to plumb the depths of Tolkien’s character and personality. An audience may want so much more, but this movie will not give that satisfied sigh of being sated. This movie is a story that not many can relate to well. It seems to have no soul.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This biopic examines the life story of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Ring stories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dome Karukoski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Jenno Topping, David Ready, and Kris Thykier for making the film possible. Cast includes: Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, Colm Meaney, and Derek Jocobi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good story but the drama is weak and overdrawn. The movie lacks life force...a vital element in story telling that creates vibrancy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers