I will evaluate this movie based on the standard of Peter Jackson's other works and of Tolkien's novel. And as such it disappoints.

It seems that its raison d'etre is to show just how amazing Lord of the Rings was - the emphasis is on the past tense 'was'. Many of the references to LotR are forced and do not add to the movie, oftentimes slowing it down. Much of the music of LotR is recycled in unimaginative ways, coming up in predictable contexts. And while the new misty mountains theme is wonderful, it is overused. I was expecting more from my favourite composer, Howard Shore.

This movie would have benefitted from being streamlined and shortened, focussing on the essentials. I was hoping Peter Jackson's decision to make the Hobbit into a trilogy would be justifiable, but after seeing the first installment, I have to agree that it seems like nothing but a money-making strategy. The 'rise of the dark' theme corrupts what might otherwise have been a fun and straightfoward story.

If you watch this movie as an ordinary Hollywood flick, you may well enjoy it. That's particularly true if you haven't watched LotR. It's visually stunning and there are lots of good moments (including the riddle game, the dwarves in Bag End, etc.). Unquestionably, the crew are some of the best in business and did their respective jobs well. However, the film's many good pieces do not come together well because of the somewhat disappointing writing.

It will be interesting to look back at the Hobbit movies in three years time, without all the anticipation. Perhaps I will think of Peter Jackson's Hobbit more favourably then.

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