A blurred carbon copy of "Fellowship"

Rating: 6/10 (16 December 2012)

A strangely cheerless film, with only a few moments of authentic humor, and even fewer authentic moments at all.
First, it must be said that Martin Freeman is outstanding as the younger version of Bilbo.
After an interminable introduction of the 13 dwarfs (few of whom stood out as individuals), it became apparent Jackson was attempting to recapture the magic of "The Fellowship of the Rings" in the most unoriginal of ways. He not only reused music cues ("here's the Ring" cue, "here's Gandalf being wise and warm" cue, "here's the company/fellowship being chased by orcs/goblins underground" cue), but he recycled many of the action beats (large and small) from "Fellowship," as well. Much of the CGI felt forced and unconvincing.
I had hoped to enjoy the film, but I mostly endured the first two hours. It only began to approach "engaging" in the final third. Unlike the LOTR films, I have little desire to see this again.