The Hobbit impresses early audience

There's an embargo on reviews of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, but that hasn't stopped those at yesterday's premiere from sharing their thoughts on social media website Twitter.

Reviewers cannot share their thoughts on the first installment of the trilogy until the film premieres in the US next month, however some of those lucky enough be at Wellington's Embassy Theatre appear to have largely enjoyed Sir Peter Jackson's blockbuster.

Hollywood producer and director Bryan Singer described the film as "amazing and involving".

"Just saw #Hobbit. Having some serious frame rate envy. Amazing and involving. Loved it! And @ianmckellen118, my friend, you are brilliant!," he wrote on Twitter.

Singer was referring to the unique frame rate of 48 frames per second used by director Sir Peter, instead of the standard 24 fps.

Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce described the film as "masterful".

"Really enjoyed #Hobbit Unexpected Journey world premiere. Masterful movie. Congrats Sir Peter Jackson et al. Privilege 2 be there #HobbitNZ," he wrote on Twitter.

Fellow MP Peter Dunne also tweeted after the film.

"Premiere over - people seem happy and impressed, especially with the scenery and special effects."

Wellingtonian Kylie Klein wrote the film was "everything I could have hoped for", while Carter Nixon said there was "great atmosphere in the theatre" and the film is a "lot of fun".

However according to CRS Music Management head Campbell Smith, the film starts slow before picking up.

"First half took forever, but the second half was awesome #hobbitnz."

The review embargo ends on Monday.

- Herald Online