The Hobbit (1978)

To every serious (if not merely sincere) lover of J.R.R. Tolkien's writings, the Rankin-Bass animated production of The Hobbit is a cringe-inducing travesty. Curiously enough, however, and particularly while bearing in mind the production's offenses to Tolkien's literary legacy, the Rankin-Bass name carries with it a certain popularity and the studio's animation style, while maudlin, has gained a certain iconic status. (Like it or not, the H.R. Pufnstuf look for Bilbo Baggins has become part of the cinematic legacy. Sigh.) Now if something could just be done about the dippy musical numbers! (Oh well, it could be worse: They could have used Leonard Nimoy singing "Bilbo Baggins.") See this one if you are a Tolkien completist and have thick skin -- lest you screech at the liberties taken by the script -- or if you have no awareness of Tolkien's bestselling children's book and simply want to give your family a fresh look at a cute story about hobbits and dwarves heading off to steal (back) a dragon's treasure. Enjoy! 2.5 stars.