My family and I saw it and we all liked it. We saw it at the IMAX theater 3D and loved the special effects and scenery of New Zealand. The beginning scene with the dwarves was a bit too long but the 3 hours went by fast and we were not bored at all.
It seems to me that with some careful editing, they could make a PG-13, PG, R, and even NC-17 version of the movie all at once.
Along with the ratings, they could edit each one for time, so for example, the PG-13 version would be short enough so that it would not be agonizing for younger teens to sit through. The longer the movie the more graphic.
The R version would be for theater and DVD, with the NC-17 (or “unrated”) version would only be for Blu-ray.
This could be a huge marketing gimmick. Show the PG-13 version in theater matinees, PG in evening shows, and release the R version in theaters at the same time as the R rated DVD is released, and the NC-17 (”unrated”) version as the “collector’s edition”, on Blu-ray only.
I disagree with your assessment.
With all of the unbelievable trashy crap coming out of Hollywood in recent memory, The Hobbit was at least very well done and followed the book as best I can remember. I have read it several times, along with the LotR trilogy since college in the 60’s, and found it delightfully entertaining. I go to the movies to be entertained, not to be a critic. If I don’t like something, I just shrug and say, “Well, I guess should have saved my money and waited for that one to come out on HBO”.
But to say this movie was “terrible”? This movie was by no means terrible. What movies do you normally see that are so “good” in comparison? Much to do about nothing, in my opinion. It is just a movie after all. And about a fantasy world at that.
Some people aren’t happy with anything in the world. Trust me, I know several. They would find something to complain about this movie and most other things in their lives because they see the world through that prism of the glass is half empty and bemoan how it is going to be completely empty soon. Whoa is me! I see the world through the prism of the glass is half full and am thankful for the advantage of even having some water to drink and how I should count my blessings in life and not focus on all the little things to complain about. Including this movie. I enjoyed it. I wanted it to keep going. I can’t wait for the subsequent parts to be released.
It’s getting close to shark jumping time. Jackson presents a hunky Thoren, and seems one blandishments away from adding Ewoks. Jar-Jar, the Goblin King indeed.
My husband and I both had the same reaction and until now we haven’t heard of anyone else not liking it. We both thought it was a stinkeroo. Slow, predictable, bad script and dialog, too many fricking weird names for swords, places, whatever, who gives a rat’s @ss. Gandalf looked like he was barely alive.
My daughter and I enjoyed it immensely. It isn’t LOTR, nor is it meant to be. I enjoyed Bilbo and the rest of the characters, the action and the scenery. It was over before I knew it! Can’t wait for the second part.
Why anyone is patronizing Hollywood at this stage whether the film is good, bad, or indifferent is beyond me.
And at no point did Bilbo attempt to run away from his commitment.
The changes in the main characters bothered me the most.
When it stuck to the book, it excelled.
When Jackson decided to rewrite scenes and characters, the enjoyment dropped.
Thorin is *not* so shallow a character as was portrayed in the movie. He has his vices, but he is also honorable (in dwarvish fashion), and noble (again, after the manner of the dwarves).