I loved this movie.

Rating: 9/10 (13 December 2013)

Seriously. I just got back from seeing it and, well, it's like my childhood come to life on screen. I think I have finally found what is different about these movies from LOTR. Compared to LOTR (which still happen to be my hands down favorite movies ever), these movies are just pure fun. Pure, unadulterated fun. These movies are what the Transformers movies should be. Great, action-adventure movies with great music, acting and cinematography based on fun, but not artistically masterful source material. Let's be honest guys, compared to LOTR, the hobbit ain't exactly a masterpiece. It's pretty great, but there is a lot that could be added. If you want a movie close to the book go watch the Rankin Bass film, which is good in its own right.
The things added to this story added to this movie too imo. Whereas I felt the first (even though I love that one too) dragged on in some parts, this one seemed to be non stop from start to finish. I plan on seeing it asap again. Man, and Smaug...Smaug man. And that ending. That horribly beautiful ending that made everyone groan in agonizing joy. I was so fixed on what was happening when the screen went black I nearly had a heart attack. A whole year! I cannot imagine what the final film will be like.