The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey **½

Peter Jackson directed this Fantasy drama. Watch Preview. Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, Aidan Turner, Billy Connolly. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time is two hours and forty-nine minutes.

Bilbo Baggins is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.

Those who are fans of fantasy to the extent they'll attend this film wearing a cloak, helmet and carrying a plastic sword will no doubt be thrilled. Everyone else will be bored senseless by the slow pace and excruciating length. It's a very well made film with a superb cast but the plot has been padded beyond belief...the better to get your boxoffice dollars a second and third time for the two remaining sequels I suppose. I saw the 3D-HFR (high frame rate; i.e. 48 frames per second instead of the usual 24) version and did like the high resolution 3D it provided. I didn't find it disconcerting as some have commented. But, the average movie-going patron could easily take a hour-and-a-half nap in the middle of this and never miss a thing.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A large screen and good sound will be a definite plus. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times. IMAX 3D Times.