Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ films are very curious to me. They’re epic, beautifully made films, but they also seem to proclaim that epicness from the highest peak. There’s no surprise to them – whether or not you have read any of the books they’re based upon – because you can tell where they’re going.
This is one reason why I was so psyched that Guillermo Del Toro was going to direct “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” namely that the tried and true formula that Jackson introduced in his earlier films would be, if not changed, at least shook up a bit.
And ‘Journey’ did that. There were elements of slapstick present that I assume Del Toro contributed (because they are present in his own films, and nowhere to be seen in Peter Jackson’s).
Despite leaving the production at the first film in the trilogy, I hope his presence will continue to be felt.
SCREENPHILES 
I like that we still get vague views of the dragon, I just hope its not too vague in the film. I want my Dragon dammit! 😀
Watch Matthew Robbins’ “Dragonslayer” sometime. It’s a tad hokey at points, but the dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative, is the best I have ever seen in movies. I don’t think Smaug is going to top it.
I don’t know. Dragon heart is pretty impressive 😀
Trust me, no comparison. If I recall Dragonheart (voiced by Sean Connery) that was a CGI dragon, while Vermithrax is all practical.
Trust me. Give it a rent. You’ll thank me (and that’s not even including the awesome performance by Sir Ralph Richardson (in fact, his last).
Very well 😀
I am willing to be money you’ll never see a dragon as majestic, as awesome, as Vermithrax.