[Gordian Blade]

You picked up a great example of a reviewer contradicting himself. Can you imagine the reaction of almost everyone if the film had spent hours on hobbit meals and the poetry and songs of Rivendell, but cut out most of the action sequences? As it is, some reviewers find the part in Hobbiton too long. The action scenes are all in the book from what I know so far, having not seen it yet. It's a matter of being selective in what to include and what to cut. From past reviews, I think Ebert prefers introspective films without a lot of action. I have 6 tickets for the 24th, so I'll judge for myself. (Myself and 5 other people, not for me to see it 6 times! Hmmm, on second thought...)

[Brett66]

Can you imagine the reaction of almost everyone if the film had spent hours on hobbit meals and the poetry and songs of Rivendell, but cut out most of the action sequences?

I know I wouldn't be seeing it if it did.

[Pelham]

Can you imagine the reaction of almost everyone if the film had spent hours on hobbit meals

I can imagine Roger Ebert's reaction- he obviously is well acquainted with meals, and lots of them. More meals would have gained another star from Jaba the Reviewer.