OK, I know that some of you out there are anticipating the release of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" more eagerly than the Second Coming, and for you, here's the short review: If you liked Jackson's first three "Lord of the Rings" movies, you'll love this one, too.

For the less committed, it's a hard call: based on the 1937 novel by fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is the first in another marathon three-film excursion into epic swords and sorcery territory. Should the casual fan take the plunge?

The story follows bourgeois Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman)- uncle to Frodo, the hobbit hero of "The Lord of the Rings" — as he's reluctantly enlisted by sly old wizard Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellan) to join him on an adventure. Exiled dwarf king Thorin Oakenshield and his ragtag band of dwarves hope to regain the treasure of their lost kingdom of Erebor, now guarded by the ferocious dragon Smaug, and Bilbo is meant to be their burglar. To get there, the group will have to dodge bands of marauding trolls, orcs, goblins and ravenous wargs. En route, Bilbo will meet this creepy fellow named Gollum and wind up pocketing a very special ring.