No LOTR copy, but a highly original, true-to-the-story adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 2013)

The first return people were expressing was that "it isn't anywhere near as the Lord of the Rings". This is a logical conclusion, to some extent, seeing as Jackson is once again present in the party (thank God) and seeing how The Hobbit is the prequel of the Ring movies.
Nonetheless, the sheer comparison between the two literary works and their visual counterparts is obnoxious. I say this because the Hobbit was - as Mr Tolkien himself pointed out - meant to be a (although not juvenile) children's story, whereas the Lord of the Rings was a fully-fledged epic fantasy tale.
Let's jump to my (totally biased of course) opinion. In spite of this difference in purpose, the atmosphere in both stories comes astonishingly close. Never had I expected Jackson to pull that one off. Secondly, it stays true for the larger part to the original story, which I consider a big virtue. Thirdly, the first part can be compared to the Fellowship, in that its pace is yet building, slowly but steadily. Connoisseurs are aware of the fact that the second and especially the third part will know an enhanced velocity. This may shun the action-seekers or casual fans.
The movie is nothing short of enthralling. Bilbo's development and the character in all its quirkiness, combined with the dwarfs' steadfastness and stoutness and to top it off the wizard Gandalf's wisdom and wit make for a highly interesting tale, full of peril around every corner.
Take a look at this movie if the LOTR movies was your cup of tea.