If you are a Tolkien purist, then you may be somewhat disappointed in the story line of the newest installment in the Lord of the Rings series, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” Although the movie ultimately followed the plot, there were a few moments when I wondered where, exactly, they were in the original story line.  The extra elements that the producers decided to add in seemed to stem from boredom with the original story line presented in the novel, “The Hobbit.”

The producers decided to add in a backstory twist to one of the main characters in the movie in the form of a mysterious left-field foil character. For those who have not read the book, this movie gives viewers the back history on unexplained events and motivations that drive the plot forward for several characters. This movie, however, still manages to fit seamlessly into the existing trilogy masterpiece.

The characters all reprise their original roles and I was overjoyed see familiar faces from previous movies within the plot. “The Hobbit” beings by flashing back in time right before the opening scene contained in “The Fellowship of the Ring” where Bilbo and Frodo are preparing for Bilbo’s birthday celebration. The story begins by Bilbo narrating his “There and Back Again” adventure in a book that he plans to leave for Frodo. The breathtaking scenery and score only add to the feeling that you have been transported to Middle Earth. The battle sequences that this series is so well known for are still flawless and nerve-racking and are spaced appropriately throughout the movie.

Overall, if you even remotely enjoy movies that center around the conflict of self-discovery, adventure and fantasy this movie is something that you should definitely see this holiday season.