Wow - Peter and co have done it again!

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2012)

Simply put- this movie is near perfect. From the gorgeous opening sequence and stunning vistas, to Rivendell, plains and everywhere else it is almost pitch perfect.
First of all - 48fps - why has this never been done before, seriously? It worked so well in this movie that at times you get so drawn in, you feel part of the crew. It takes at least half an hour to get used to, and by that time the company are leaving Hobbiton. Very impressed with this choice.
Acting is great from everyone with some dwarfs who have very little screen time, can be a little shabby at times. Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman really shine.
The use of CGI was very high, with most things being computer generated, but that being said you couldn't tell real from cg at times. But, the frequent use of cgi orcs can be a little annoying as I much preferred the practical ones used in LOTR. But sure enough the visuals are gorgeous, and really draw you into the movie. Gollum, is incredible and looks so realistic in some shots. The power of technology really shows through here.
The bad: I found it slow to start, with some dialog being unnecessary. A little trim here and there wouldn't do much harm. The overuse of CGI on orcs can, as I said earlier, be a little distracting but nothing devastating. The little Wilhelm scream uttered by one of the orcs as it falls was completely unnecessary and in fact downright annoying - what is it with directors wanting to use this sound? Finally, the end scene with the Eagles with have you with shivers up your back and your gob on the floor - truly stunning.
Some little improvements to this movie would have done wonders, but I cannot wait for the next one!