With the movie still a week out from release, multiple entertainment websites have started to post their reviews of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. All the reviewers saw the film in IMAX 3D at HFR (aka high frame rate or 48FPS), a decision that may have backfired as it seems many of the reviewers were unable to get past the flaws of the new technology. It is a shame because the reviews will give a worse impression of the film that will not necessarily align with the average movie goers visual experience.

Outside of all of them having problems with HFR, those that could seperate the tech from the rest of the movie experience provided mostly positive reviews. On the plus side is the film is gorgeous with great special effects, solid acting, entertaining story and of course fantastic music. The minuses (besides HFR) include Peter Jackson may have been too faithful to the novel to stretch the story to fit a trilogy, too long, and unevenness in tone with occasional bouts of silliness. The end result is the reviewers recommend the film but the enthusiasm is tampered by the flaws in story execution and the untested problems with 48FPS IMAX showing.

My overall take is see the film, just don't see it in IMAX 3D. See it The Lord of the Rings style at good old fashioned 24FPS and then if really loved the film, see it a second time at the more expensive formats so can make a proper judgement and comparison of the film without that enjoyment being hampered by flaws in new technology. Below are highlights from some of the posted reviews.
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