For fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this short film is a treat. Although not a full-feature film, it is 39 minutes of teasing that makes you want to know more about the characters and itching to know what happens next. nIn the Lord of the Rings 1 through 3, Gollum's character plays a pivotal role in the development and outcome of the saga. Once human, his involvement with the ring has destined Gollum to a lifetime of misery and monstrosity. The Hunt for Gollum further explores the dimensions of his vulnerability and desperation.nAs Gollum struggles to locate his beloved and cursed ring, you find yourself pitying him. He has the forlornness of a common thief who steals food because he is starving and the solitariness of a person destined to suffer alone in their plight and desperate selfishness.nThroughout the movie, you find yourself wondering where everyone else is. It seems at times that The Hunt focuses more on Aragorn than it does on Gollum. At times, you almost forget that Aragorn is searching for Gollum as they speed through his tracking skills and focus on his emotions and thoughts. nAragorn suffers from flashbacks and premonitions while he fights to save Gollum from himself and the world from Sauron. The Hunt would be more aptly titled Aragorn's Journey. nnAlthough the actor that plays Aragorn, Adrian Webster, does not possess the manliness or vigor of Viggo Mortensen, he does a fair job of portraying the benevolent ranger. nThe purpose of the hunt for Gollum by the forces of good is to prevent his capture by Orcs and protect the location of the ring and the purpose of the hunt for Gollum by the forces of evil is for Gollum to lead them to it. What The Hunt lacks in blood and gore, it makes up for in costumes and make-up. The evil beings tracking Gollum closely resemble those in the Rings trilogy. The location is beautiful; at once being an enveloping haven and a dark & desolate wasteland. nThe most exciting part of the movie is the fight between Aragorn and a pack of Orcs. As they race towards Aragorn, your heart beats faster as you anticipate the first clashing of the swords. nIt serves as a prequel to the trilogy and in essence introduces most of the main characters to come, either in presence or by mention. It depicts the battle that precedes all others and Gollum's ending comments set the stage for the first Lord of the Rings legend. nAlthough the script is far from riveting, it does contain language and speech expected of Middle Earth. Unfortunately, had I lived under a rock and never heard of the Lord of the Rings, with this as its prequel, I would have likely missed out on one heck of a trilogy. It pales in comparison to the magic of even the first Lord of the Rings. It is clear that this is a lower budget production but it doesn't fall short on enchanting scenery. nThe Hunt for Gollum contains all of the elements of a good online movie; it's short, adequately filmed & edited and contains action sequences and thrills worthy of a B-movie or better.