im not a LOTR fan and didnt really watch most of the movies completely..i didnt know much about hobbit but after the first 30 minutes was of course pleasantly surprised. the journey just got more and more intense, interesting, suspenseful full of action exciting with of course the same characters and some concepts. there were lots of action packed battles, evil people, and really the dwarves there to reclaim their homeland. I had no idea that this was probably the first of a trilogy or more...so i was disappointed to find the ending not really being the ending, however the 2.5 hours goes by really fast...it is an extremely exciting interesting entertaining awesome movie... you can't miss it for sure....

Part I of 3: If you're a Tolkien Fan and a Peter Jackson Fan, or not, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read the Hobbit in a while, you may miss how the movie differs from the book. You may notice omissions, a change in character focus (Orcs instead of Goblins), character embellishment, and even more back story as in the case of Gandalf and the Necromancer. It was also wonderful to experience the continuity of the same great actors in the same roles we grew to love, hate, suspect, and cheer in the Lord of the RingsTrilogy. It's a must see if you're a fan. Can't wait for part 2!

Will someone please explain to Peter Jackson that length does not equal epic! He we be well served to learn: Extended chase/battle sequences that do nothing to further the story, do not make the moving exciting. Added geek fluff (material not in the original book) does not add to the movie (and I'm a geek). Trust your actors more than your effects wizards. You have such a talented cast given fantastic performances that you have a great movie. Cramming more spectacle in only adds length, slowing the pace and diminishing the heart of the movie. Now, Gollum is an amazing merge of both, but the wargs and goblin caves look like a lame video game. There. I have ranted. The Hobbit was a beautiful movie with lovely performances, but plagued by PJ's penchant for length. Go see it, but pack a lunch and know that anytime Gandalf says "Run!" you have 5-10 minute to visit the restroom without missing anything.

I've read the book and was really hoping that the movie would match up pretty well and it did!! of course they added a few things but thats just to make the movie interesting. and that it did! I loved the added scenes and for things that were in the book it was spot on! I loved it and if you love the book and the Lord of the Rings series you'll love this movie!! Defiantly a must go!!!

As a whole, Peter Jackson and cast did a great job with the first Hobbit film. As a self contained movie, The Hobbit was fairly powerful and provided a very rich visual experience (I viewed it in 48 frames without 3D). That being said, the Lord of the Rings cinema enthusiasts might find that the application of CGI was a bit liberal relative to and distinct from what they experienced with the original trilogy. The script and acting were exceptional--a respectable balance between faithfully scripting from the book and giving dramatic hard-hitters like Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis a chance to really shine. To comment on the family viability of the film: the level of violence is comparable to Lord of the Rings, but I note this: The Hobbit was scripted with some comedic relief in mind--all the better reason to bring younger siblings/kids if in doubt. To make things brief, I believe that The Hobbit accomplished its goal: recreate the heartwarming but intrepid Hobbit story.