The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - B+

Rated PG-13, 166 minutes

"Hobbit" is overlong yet dazzling, especially for "Rings" fans

Martin Freeman as hobbit Bilbo Baggins

I'll fully admit I've never really cared much what happens in Middle-earth. I haven't read J.R.R. Tolkien's "Hobbit" or "Lord of the Rings" books, so I am not fully vested in this new film series; while I clearly admired both Tolkien and filmmaker Peter Jackson's big screen adaptations, I wasn't as eagerly anticipating this as some have been. With that in mind, I still enjoyed Jackson's entertaining, charming but sometimes slow new film "The Hobbit," based on Tolkien's beloved books, which act as a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" series, taking place sixty years before the events in those books. "The Hobbit" follows hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is hired by wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan) to follow thirteen dwarfs across Middle-earth to reclaim Lonely Mountain from Smaug the Dragon. Dazzling, entertaining and too long especially for us non-Tolkien's fans; it's a little slow-going, especially in the first act, but it picks up midway though. The first-rate, often spectactular film should pick up plenty of technical accolades for its precise, detailed sets, music and photography; much will be said about the 48-frames per second process that Jackson uses for the film; it gives the film much more clarity and a vivid 3D portrait that will surely please fans of all ages. Jackson will be to Tolkien's books what George Lucas was to "Star Wars" in that this will be what he will always be remembered for, and Jackson has two more "Hobbit" films planned for release (and already concurrently filmed much like the "Lord of the Rings" series was), with an ending that clearly leaves it open for more. With Andy Serkis back as Gollum in motion catpure along with McKellan, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm and Elijah Wood reprising their "Rings" characters, this has a familiar, well-worn feel to it that seems more of the same, and much like I felt about "The Lord of the Rings," it goes on much too long,  but Tolkien fans will clearly be impressed and pleased. This is a must see if your a fan of "The Lord of the Rings" series yet should be enjoyable for even non-fans.

Wes's Grade: B+