Like being united with old friends while making brand new ones!

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2012)

As soon as the opening titles hit and the familiar music began to play, I got teary eyed. This was like a reunion of sorts, with characters who you never wanted to part with while at the same time introducing new characters who you'd love to be friends with. From best friends, like Gandalf, to worst enemies, Gollum and Saruman, everyone was welcome.
Seeing this film, I am convinced that only Peter Jackson could have pulled it off. Like Tim Burton, his films have a certain look and feel to them that I don't think another director could have captured. You know instantly you are in the LOTR universe and that is an encouraging thought.
Kudos to Martin Freeman playing Bilbo to a T. Sir Ian is flawless as always, slipping back into the Gandalf role with ease. I was most happy to see Mr. Aiden Turner, late of BBC's "Being Human" in his major motion picture debut. He was given quite a bit to do and I think he did quite well.
The 3D is done well enough but you can skip it if you really need to.