This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 26, 2021). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First re-watch in a few years. Some sequences really could have been dropped (the mountain giants add nothing except a few minutes of running time), others are just tonally weird (the goblin city sticks out as being goofy in the midst of serious sequences). But that said, it’s still very well done, and the Bilbo/Gollum sequence is still a masterpiece of acting and animation.