I have seen it twice, both times 3D 48fps. It did not disappoint. The 3D added depth and excitement without being cheesy. I really liked that the dwarfs did not look like Gimli. It's easier to tell them apart. Loved hearing the Dwarfs sing! Especially the singing around the fire, very moving. Loved the Dwarfs' backstory. It makes for a much richer story telling experience, knowing why Thorin is so obsessed and why the others are so devoted.
I liked the way Radagast was handled. He has been spending too much time my himself, but he is not a fool. He is after all a Wizard.
Martin Freeman is wonderful as Bilbo. He just really nailed it.
Riddles in the Dark was terrific. Seeing Gollum happily waiting for Bilbo to tell him a Riddle was heart warming, but also very sad, knowing his history and his future.
The story telling is wonderful, even if I didn't always think Peter's plot lines were necessary. Having the company climb trees to get away from the orcs on the edge of a cliff was a bit much. They were already in a lot of trouble, I didn't think the cliff was necessary.
I'm worried we won't here the eagels talk. There were steps visible going down off the mountain in the last scene with Thorin's Company. I don't think the eagles will be back to take them off the mountain. Disappointing.
Overall, however I was very happy. My 13 year old niece went with me the second time. She was thrilled with it and is ready to go back and see it again. She liked the characters' personalities and really liked that she could tell the Dwarfs apart.
Like LOTR, The Hobbit is visually stunning. Thank you New Zealand. Thank you WETA. And like LOTR, the characters are real and important to me. Casting should get an Academy Award.
I can't wait to see them all!

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