I really enjoyed this series of movies and, for the most part, am glad I waited for the extended versions. In the first two movies, there was more character development. Apparently the last movie added more violence. Most of the changes and additions to Tolkien's story I didn't mind too much, but I didn't care much for the changes they made to Radagast the Brown. Somehow I never envisioned bird poop in his hair and beard.

I did like that the dwarfs had more personality and the subtle ties to the Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies. I also like the themes of the loss of innocence and overcoming one's own failings.

I know that I will watch these movies again. ( )

Many fans of the Hobbit written work are hyper-critical of these movies, but I enjoyed them as much or more than the book. I found The Hobbit to be a long slog, although many elements were delightful. I believe that Peter Jackson managed to capture the delightful moments in the book (especially in these extended versions) and make the rest of the story exciting as well. He gave the Dwarves more personality than Tolkien bothered with, and managed to make me care about them. The visual delight of these movies will keep me watching them for years. ( )