Disappointed! Doesn't have enough story to be a separate movie entirely!

Rating: 6/10 (14 December 2012)

Disappointed! I agree I didn't expect something as great as LOTR, but still the movie lacks many things. It doesn't have enough story and depth to sustain your interest, and to be a movie separately. J.R.R Tolkien wrote 'Lord of the Rings Trilogy' after the critical and financial success of 'The Hobbit'. And ironically, Peter Jackson, who skipped the 'The Hobbit' and made 'Lord of the Rings' into a movie, made 'The Hobbit' after the critical and financial success of the latter. 'The Hobbit' clicked as a book since it took us into Tolkien's new world and described the creatures there. But in movies, since we already know about the world, it doesn't have enough story to carry it forward for three parts (thanks to Peter Jackson's fetish for detail).
The score is good, camera-work different and a little unsuitable. Fight, flight and respite - Jackson's storytelling style - needs some changing. After watching LOTR so many times, people need something new to keep them hooked.
Gollum has just one scene. But it's a well-directed and terrifically-acted out scene. That scene alone stopped me from complaining any more about the movie. Andy Serkis, you are amazing as always!
You can still watch it if you're a fan of the series; hope the next two parts are better!