Overall this movie is amazing. The camera work, acting and special effects are, if anything, better than the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I had to take some points off on story because of the addition of plot lines from another of Tolkein's books, the Sillmarillion. That being said, the additions made it easier to understand some of the plot lines in the Hobbit and in the Lord of the Rings. These additions were tastefully done and almost seamlessly inserted in the movie. At times the movie moves a little slow but knowing the Tolkein works I can say that the slowdown was necessary and kept to a minimum. I would recommend this movie both for newcomers to the Tolkein world and to Tolkein enthusiasts.