I really like some of the symmetry with the previous films, especially with opening the film in the Shire on the same day FOTR opened, and ending the film on a close up on an eye. In FOTR, the film closed with Sam and Frodo finally getting a view of the far off Mt. Doom, and the Great Eye up on it, and here it is Smaug's eye.

I like the personality of most of the dwarves, we still haven't really gotten to know a few of them, so I'll reserve judgement on the rest until I see more of them. Gandalf has quite the mischievous streak going throughout this film, while Martin just IS Bilbo Baggins. Not to be outdone, Richard Armitage really does bring a regal bearing to the roll, playing it very much as a nobleman and intense warrior who has struggled to care for his people while in exile. And of course, Andy Serkis as Gollum is not just spot on, but even tops some of his previous work. You really get to see a full range of emotions from him, just amazing to watch Riddles in the Dark with Andy and Martin working so very well off each other.

This was my third viewing, and I liked it better because I could look at the details and not be tied up looking at format (I saw it in 3D 48fps twice and 24fps most recently). There are some character moments I just love, such as the Dwarves singing the Misty Mountain Cold song, while Bilbo sits in his room, with the Tookish side of his family warring within him. I also really enjoyed seeing Bilbo realize just exactly why he wants to be in this Company, to help these wandering dwarves reclaim their home, so they no longer have to be wandering. The fact that he also displays a lot of courage, culminating in actually attacking a large Orc and killing him is just gravy.

The one thing I dislike, Azog. Yes, he fought and killed Thror, but then he was supposed to be killed in return, so this vengeance hunt with the Orcs and Wargs chasing the Dwarves all over Middle-earth is just a bit too much of a diversion for me. I just hope we don't have them popping up throughout the next two films, someone stick a fork in that guy, he needs to be done. Radagast is growing on me, I just hope he wipes his face sometime soon.

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