I also have seen TH twice.....and, though I enjoyed it much more the second time (without the fuss of 48FPS and 3D and overly excited self and fellow travelers), I have to agree with you: there are problems, (yes, and in the writing!), but it is a lovely movie nonetheless. I loved Freeman's Bilbo. How actors seem to fall in love with their hobbit characters, no matter their initial misgivings. It says something about how Tolkien "drew" them, all those years ago, that they compel us all, lead us about by our heart-strings, as it were.

I'm eager to read your full review now......