The last film in the Hobbit trilogy has received resounding praise following its premiere in Wellington today - but fans need not lose hope it's the last of the Tolkein-inspired tales to hit the screen, with another rumoured to be in the running.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies played at Miramar's Roxy Cinema this morning for invited guests, at the same time as the worldwide premiere aired in London.
The red carpet was out for guests including Weta co-founder Sir Richard Taylor, cast and crew members, dedicated fans of the movies, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, State Services Minister Paula Bennett and Labour MP Grant Robertson.
At London's premiere Ken Stott, who plays dwarf Balin suggested Sir Peter Jackson might not have finished with Middle-earth yet, Newstalk ZB reported.
There is another J.R.R Tolkein book around - The Silmarillion - a collection of posthumously published works set in the Lord of the Rings universe.
Ms Wade-Brown said the film was "wonderful, exciting, sad and enthralling".
Mr Robertson said it was an incredible end to both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogies.
"I think this is the best yet."
Ms Bennett said she was a Hobbit fan.
"It was absolutely spectacular."
William Kircher, who plays the dwarf Bifur, said it was an "astounding film...the kind you have to see more than once to appreciate".
"It is truly like a rollercoaster ride.
And he was pretty impressed with his own performance: "I was brilliant - best thing in the film".
An elf and Hobbit fan, who identified herself only as Tabitha, said she was "almost overwhelmed" by the film.
"It's massive and intense and ongoing and relentless and amazing, but spectacular.
"They did a great tribute to [the book]. Any book fan will love the movie and any fan of movies in general will love the movie."
Another movie-goer, David Gascoigne, said the film was "utterly absorbing".
"I think it takes a powerful place in the history of cinema and it's damn good for New Zealand too."
- By Rebecca Quilliam of NZME
