A great film - if you have never read The Hobbit

Rating: 3/10 (29 December 2013)

This is the first review I have written for IMDb, I couldn't sit silently after last night's film experience...
I was appalled at the liberties taken by the screenwriters. I understand why: it was a great financial idea to add back story and characters that would stretch this endeavor into an audience inclusive three part cash cow.
What I couldn't understand is why I couldn't identify more than 10 minutes out of 160 that actually matched Tolkein's story.
Beorn, The Spiders, The Elves of Mirkwood, Laketown, The Lonely Mountain - not a single scene filmed as written. I have seen truer adaptations of The Hobbit performed by children at local community centers.
The special effects are spectacular - but I can say that about dozens of movies that didn't have to rape a well loved piece of literature to make it to the screen.
The only reason I didn't walk out of this film is that I went with my wife and friends.