Just got back from the movie, TGV IMAX 3D.

The Cinema
I wanted to improve on my IMAX experience. I somehow managed to once again not get middle seats. I was going for 'center, center', but got 'left, center' instead. The screen was so huge, that I had to stretch my eyes to the right when there was something of interest on the right side. This was my fault as I should have booked earlier.  The mountain fighting sequence was spectacular on IMAX.

Unfortunately, I noticed a significant amount of 'blurriness' and 'shakiness' to the film. I am not quite sure if it was due to me seated a bit too close or should have sat a row or two behind. There was plenty of noticeable pixelation on-screen, right from the beginning, this was a bit of a downer for me.    Maybe third times a charm in the future.

The 3D Value
It was present and there was quite a number of in-your-face moments... some of which even made me blink as the object felt like it was really being hurled at me. The mountain fighting sequence is worthy of being mentioned again. Peter Jackson's first 3D film and it didn't disappoint in the 3D department.

The Film
I went in knowing this is NOT LOTR Trilogy, it was more of a prequel, thus didn't get my hopes too high. In the end, I absolutely loved the film. It started out pretty slowly but quickly kicked into gear. The 'flashback' sequences were  not entirely necessary but die hard LOTR fans would appreciate it like crazy. It was amazing to see Elijah Wood as Frodo, felt like I stepped into a time machine. The Shire looked breathtaking as before. Overall, the story was worth it and the feeling of an exciting and perilous adventure was there just like the LOTR trilogy. In other words, yes indeed "The Hobbit" managed to capture that same excitement as the trilogy.    This was something I was concerned about as the film could have easily gotten 'lost' what with the years gone by and perhaps PJ not having a golden touch as it was previously ("The Lovely Bones" wasn't particular great). Ahh... it was indeed, an adventure.

The Cast
To be honest, I barely know any of the actors who played the dwarves. Can't really remember the dwarves names except for a few. Once more, felt like stepping into a time machine when I saw Galadriel, Lord Elrond, hey, Gandalf of course! Ian McKellen looks really old (and not just Gandalf old). The cast was brilliant and overall, they delivered the goods. Great job on the casting. The dwarves were loud, nasty and downright rough playing bunch of 'laddies'(??).

The Visual Effects
Really worth the wait to see Gollum... gosh, I was telling myself look at Gollum, the nuances of Andy Serkis' expression captured milimetre perfectly. Time really has done well to improve on the visual effects, and Middle-Earth looked incredible. I believe by the standards that was in the film, it could be nominated for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars.

Final Verdict
It was worth the wait. LOTR fans rejoice. If you have seen the LOTR Trilogy and liked it (and why wouldn't you), this is one unmissable film. I cannot believe I have to wait a year to see part two, and then another year for part three.
Peter Jackson, you didn't let me down.

8.5/10

+ Worthy adventure that meets expectations
+ Stunning visual effects, Gollum never looked so real!
+ Brilliant cast
+ Awesome Howard Shore music score and right on cue on... 'precious' moments
+ 3D was worth it
- Pacing is somewhat of an issue, could have been put through another round of editing/trimming of the fats
- Action sequences can get confusing and...
- ...Overwhelmingly long
- IMAX bluriness and pixelation issues

I was just wondering about what Gandalf said to Bilbo about courage and not taking the live of a person when necessary. Had Bilbo killed Gollum, you have to just wonder how Frodo & Sam would have found their way. A lot of moments in "The Hobbit" were pivotal to how the stage would be set for the epic battle of Middle-Earth. It was kinda amazing to see Gollum shedding a tear. Such a pitiful state Gollum is in when you recall how Smeagol looked like originally. I believe Bilbo saw a Hobbit in Gollum (Smeagol) and chose not to kill him.