The Necromancer storyline was hinted at in The Hobbit, but (as I dimly recall) only when Bilbo is passing through Rivendell on his way back to the Shire. Elrond and Gandalf have a conversation about it that Bilbo only half understands while napping at the table.
I think my biggest complaint is the lack of Fifteen Birds in Five Fir Trees. And the lack of lyrics for Over the Misty Mountains Cold. I would have preferred the past of Thorin and Co. placed in context with their visit and not tacked onto the very beginning - but that's me. I also don't understand why the closing credits version of Misty Mountains was all newly made-up lyrics, which I found rather disappointing.
However, I really liked the additions showing the Necromancer plot and Radagast, and I liked the way they developed Bilbo's character.
As for three movies - if they drag out the misery that was Mirkwood and embellish on Gandalf fighting the Necromancer, it can work. I personally hope they do a more epic battle than the Rankin & Bass cartoon's flea circus approach to the Battle of the Five Armies. At least the third movie will have that. ^__^
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I think my biggest complaint is the lack of Fifteen Birds in Five Fir Trees. And the lack of lyrics for Over the Misty Mountains Cold. I would have preferred the past of Thorin and Co. placed in context with their visit and not tacked onto the very beginning - but that's me. I also don't understand why the closing credits version of Misty Mountains was all newly made-up lyrics, which I found rather disappointing.
However, I really liked the additions showing the Necromancer plot and Radagast, and I liked the way they developed Bilbo's character.
As for three movies - if they drag out the misery that was Mirkwood and embellish on Gandalf fighting the Necromancer, it can work. I personally hope they do a more epic battle than the Rankin & Bass cartoon's flea circus approach to the Battle of the Five Armies. At least the third movie will have that. ^__^