The film as a whole far exceeded my hopes. Prior to seeing the movie I had some concerns about the dwarfs make-up, costumes, characterization. I thought I had wanted to see an older Thorin, but I'm happy to say that went away as I was immersed in the story. Richard Armitage was excellent in portraying the driven, slightly demented Thorin of my imagination. The only thing more I wanted from the dwarfs was MORE ... I wanted to walk out of the movie having a clearer idea of who each dwarf was, but I didn't, and I understand the necessity for that. I had to give the screen play a 4 because I did not like the stone giant sequence and I did not like the reincarnation of Azog and the whole Azog vs. Thorin showdown. Azog was too reminescent of Lurtz for me, and I did NOT like how the film ended with Thorin giving Bilbo a big hug after Bilbo came to his aid while he was sorely beaten by Azog. I preferred the ongoing tension that Thorin and Bilbo had between them pretty much throughout the book. I also would have liked to have seen more tension between the elves of Rivendell and the dwarfs, though I've heard the rumor that there will be such scenes on the EE DVD. I also would have liked more Hobbiton scenes. Otherwise, I loved, loved LOVED Goblin Town, the rescue by the eagles, Radagast, Trolls, the Erebor/Dale back story, the intro by old Bilbo, oh and the brief glimpses of Mirkwood Elves, Lee Pace as Thranduil...swoon... and Smaug... AWESOME!

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