what Jackson's films don't include is anything new. After the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and this prequel series, which began with "An Unexpected Journey" in 2012, we are in the midst of Hobbit fatigue
we have here is a whole lot more of Jackson's proven formula: more battles, more creatures, more not-quite-comical asides, more stern speechifying and more gob-smackingly elaborate action set pieces
the final installment of the Hobbit trilogy is the best, featuring more spectacular action scenes as well as the series' most emotionally resonant moments
a fitting conclusion to Jackson's prequel trilogy and a triumphant adieu to Middle-earth. Now complete, The Hobbit stands as a worthy successor to The Lord Of The Rings, albeit one that never quite emerges from its shadow