This review is full of ****. Pure utter ****. I just returned from the midnight release and (yes even as a nasty Pirate) I teared up several times. I'm a major lotr fan and Tolkien was my childhood growing up. My grandmother turned me to the Hobbit as a book when I was very young so naturally it's something kind of sacred.
The movie doesn't disappoint in the least. I would however recommend to NOT see it in 3D and rather just traditionally. I personally find 3D to be a gimmick and takes away from the quality and detailing of the film so I saw it in 2D. The sets are gorgeous. I was literally blown away by Eredor and the detailing of the Lonely Mountain. It was about on par with Minas Tirith and that's saying something.
The movie is NOT Lord Of The Rings. Those going in expecting massive battles or a dark determined plot are going to be disappointed. However those whom have read the book will be thoroughly pleased. Jackson does an amazing and I mean AMAZING job of tying in the little details such as Dol Guldur and the "Necromancer."
The reasoning why these critics are giving it such crap is because Jackson is building upon the tensions leading up to the War Of The Ring. he is revealing Saurons growing power, The White Council, Gandalf's concern over a growing darkness where as Sauraman see's nothing.
I'm certain we will see the development of Aragorn as a young man and even Denethor and Gondor's early struggles to set the stage probably at the end film of this trilogy.
This film also gives definition to characters and added depth that enriches them in LOTR such as Sauraman The White or Elrond. You see personality and yes even Gandalf has added depth especially in one particular scene where I don't think there was a dry eye in the theater. I won't spoil it but let's just say it has to do with a simple question as to why Bilbo was chosen to go on the quest.
Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo as characters are portrayed wonderfully and I was very surprised at the level of depth shown in Thorin.
Don't let these snobby prudes deter you. It was a wonderful film and one everyone who has read the book NEEDS to see. If you go in expecting the Hobbit that is what you will get. A film with emotion and character development that I could only put on par with that of Lincoln for films of 2012.
Please go see it.