Hello, friends! The Wheel has turned all the way around to Thursday again, which means two things: the weekend is not too far away, and it's time for our Rotating Features blog!

I'm beginning to get excited! Are you?! Wait... You don't know what I mean, do you?The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug will be hitting cinemas in a matter of weeks! That's what I'm excited about and I hope you share my enthusiasm since this article will be looking back at the first film and ahead to part two. This article will include some light spoilers.The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands out for me as one of the best film trilogies around, and certainly one of the all time best book-to-film adaptations I have witnessed. The Fellowship of the Ring in particular for me was visually stunning and just captured everything the book had in it. I could watch it again and again.

I was particularly happy to learn, therefore, that Peter Jackson would continue where he left off with those films and produce the film adaptation of The Hobbit. I went straight to the cinema to watch the first installment, An Unexpected Journey when it came out.

Although it perhaps didn't live quite up to the heights of The Lord of the Rings, I was still very happy with it. It reflected more of a comical nature, with the action being fast but not as intense or serious, but I think that really reflected to the different style of the book, and although serious adult movie-goers may have been less impressed, fans of J.R.R Tolkien's works, and of fantasy fiction, in general I think would appreciate that.

As usual I particularly liked the visuals. New Zealand is such a picturesque place and really fits well with Middle Earth; the story was well done and pretty faithful to the book, although they did deviate in places, particularly in the creation of a villain that was more relatable to the audience and could be carried through the plot. The scene with the trolls--a childhood favorite--was well done, as was the scene with Gollum and the riddle competition; all in all, I was impressed. What was your take on it? Leave a comment below!

Looking forward to part two, The Desolation of Smaug, I'm definitely excited and in anticipation. There are some great scenes to show on the big screen--Mirkwood in particular stands out as one I'm looking forward to, as well as the great Wyrm himself.

There's also plenty of eye candy for all with Orlando Bloom reprising his role as Legolas and Evangeline Lilly, of Lost fame, also playing an Elven beauty, Tauriel.

Here is a link to a "sneak peek" in case you haven't seen it already. I'm really looking forward to it. Really really!

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That's all for now! Have fun!

Until next time, friends!