We visited Hobbiton in Mata Mata, New Zealand three years ago. Anya was just 2 years and 9 months old then and Adam was a 4-month-old dumpling. It was amazing and definitely a must-do when in New Zealand. At that time, we were told in no uncertain terms that we were forbidden from posting pictures of Hobbiton online until all The Hobbit movies were done.

Of course, I see tons of Hobbiton pictures on the Internet all the time, even before this third instalment was released, but I am a woman of my word so none of those photos were posted by me. We went on a double date on Thursday night to watch The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies with the same couple that we visited Hobbiton with. Now I feel free to share my pictures of Hobbiton from 3 years ago and a (terribly short) review of the movie.

Here’s my review of Battle of Five Armies; no major spoilers if you have read the book. Personally, I think The Hobbit would have done better split into two instalments than three. Nonetheless, I liked Batle of the Five Armies. It was a tad indulgent with way too many scenes of characters looking meaningfully into the distance and a bit draggy here and there, especially when we were waiting for Thorin Oakenshield to break out of his stupor. I know Legolas is not in the book but he is in the movie and I definitely enjoy the scenes of him in action. *insert heart-shaped eyes emoticon*

In short, is Battle of the Five Armies worth watching? Yes. Is Hobbiton worth a visit? Without a doubt!