Movie review - The Hobbit

The older I get the more likely I am to NOT see a movie that's more than two hours long. Aside from my self labeled ADHD, I just don't find that many stories, even of my own telling, to be that compelling.  This movie most definitely is.

People instantly ask me if I saw last year's "The Hobit: An Unexpected Journey" and I am pretty sure I did not.... but I meant to. I think the general impression from friends was that it was just too darn long and since it was summertime, I rarely can spend three hours in a theater when it's nice out.  Do you need to have seen previous movies before this one?  The characters do describe their intentions and a little backstory but I think that if you're not a follower you may not feel there is enough background to fill out the characters. This is probably true like the Hunger Games series - I did not read the books and fans tell me that's why the second movie did nothing for me. (and I believe them)

This movie is also a stunning homage to the director's homeland.  Yes there's computer enhancement blended in but the mountains and winding rivers are as breathtaking as the first time you ever see them. Makes me glad to be going to NZ in March!  Do see this movie on the big screen, you will be sad when the two hours and forty minutes are up.