I went and saw The Hobbit in 3D IMAX tonight.

The 3D experience was fantastic!  We were sitting a bit close to the screen for my liking (row 6, and a bit off centre).  Some of the 3D effects felt like there were right on top of us. A bit freaky at times.

So far as the movie goes, I found that it had a different feel than the previous 3 movies.  I can't quite put my finger on how it felt different.  At some points it kind of reminded me of the sets from The Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Some of the special effects were quite cheesy, and where the computer generated portions of scenes in the previous 3 movies were so well done that it was hard to tell reality from computer generated, it was very apparent in The Hobbit at times.

Since the book started out as a bedtime story for Tolkien's son, the movie had a light airy tone to it, with many comedic elements.  But it's not a kids movie because there is also a great deal of violence in it (a head being hacked off, stabbings....you know, typical sword fight blood and gore).

And there is a huge amount of license liberty taken. Most of the movie (70% maybe?) didn't happen in the book.

Without giving away any spoilers, I just have to mention that the scene with the eagles seen in 3D is freaking awesome!!!

I've heard some say that it was filmed differently; something about a faster speed and that some found it nauseating to watch. I didn't find it nauseating.  But it might be what gave it that weird "feel" that I mentioned.

Because it was a Tolkien story I give it 5/5 stars.

As a general movie? Being honest I'd say 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I am going back to see it again in a couple weeks, this time sitting more towards the back, in the centre of the screen.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi