I liked the Hobbit once they finally left for their adventure about an hour into the movie. I think the next 2 will be much better because they will already be on the move when the movies start.
Just got back from this movie. I feel the same way. Very, very slow starting out.
The worst part was the stoppage of play every 10 minutes for a huge heart-to-heart scene where they once again demonstrate loyalty, courage, honor, and kindness....over and rough ridin' over again with these face close ups....it was like a rough ridin' soap opera. WAY worse than the Lord of the Rings....I didn't mind that stuff in the least during the Lord of the Rings.
The good part was that it was really amazing special effects. The Goblin world scenes were some of the coolest I've seen.
I'll stick with these and watch each of them going forward.