This film continues the saga of the hobbit but unlike the previous film an increasing number of characters are invented and new scenes are added in which I think detract from the original story. This like the love between the dwarf and the invented she-elf character are out of place in Tolkien's world and the child friendly nature of the story. It's a shame they had to try to make a second LOTR rather than a faithful adaptation. That being said, it is a very good film that despite it's long length is mostly enjoyable throughout.