Everyone has already said what i think of it, but i will say, Gollum, bloody brilliant!
Gives us a chance precious!
I thoroughly enjoyed my first viewing of The Hobbit yesterday.
I wasn't quite expecting the grand scale of The Lord Of The Rings but The Hobbit was every bit as epic IMO. The slow start some people have complained about is totally in keeping with the book and is neccessary to lay down the foundation of the story/plot IMO.
Visually absolutely spectacular, the sweeping landscape cinematography is breathtaking at times, great CGI for the most part, the orcs, trolls and Goblins all looked suitably foul (in a good way).
The additions were good, especially Erebor at the very start, which helped to explain the terrible plight of the dwarves and why Gandalf was so keen for them to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.
I thought Martin Freeman was excellent as Bilbo, he played it far straighter than I was expecting, I imagined he would have played him with a slightly more comic edge than he did. Thorin was also very well played as was Ian Mckellens Gandalf as always.
Looking forward to part 2 & also hoping we get an extended cut on blu ray of The Unexpected Journey at some point.