I went to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug last week. I'd love to give it five stars, but the truth is that the jury is still out, much as it was after the first film. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not read the book. Some things seem to have been changed/excluded for no good reason. Other things seem to have been added for the sake of it, and some of these were illogical. However, this is not the end of the story, and the final film might show that Peter Jackson's right and I'm wrong (after all, he is rather successful). I don't think I can say much more without massive spoilers, and I wouldn't want my opinion to prevent anyone else seeing and enjoying the film. Maybe another viewing is what's required.
Incidentally, I did one of those silly online quizzes to find out which species from Middle Earth I am. I could have been a wizard or an elf, but it turns out that I'm a hobbit. No surprises there then, and no, I don't have hairy toes. This is no doubt why I intend seeing in the new year by my own cosy fireside with a glass of something nice and a box of choccies.
I wish everyone a wonderful and prosperous 2014.