Watching it again tonight. 48fps this time :)

I really loved the movie... But one thing I'm now certain of:

My low end box office prediction is sadly coming true. Attendance is down for TH all across the world so far and looking to be so in the US.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/12/the-hobbit-breaking-records-around-globe-27-3m-in-42-overseas-markets-13m-midnight-u-s-canada-opening-sets-december-mark/

@Carne What was your overall impression of the film!?

G.G.

I loved it, but don't go in expecting LOTR v2. This is based on a children's book after all.

The first 45 minutes go by rather slowly, but it picks up after that and the remaining 2 hours go by very quickly. The Dol Guldur sub-plot might feel out of place and unnecessary for people who are not already familiar with where they're going with it, but I assume film 2 will explain it better.

Attended a midnight premiere, and man was the movie awesome! Feel free to ask any questions.

Actually, if you read the negative reviews they all have a beef with the 48fps and pacing. There is no "acting is horrible" and "the movie sucks". Going by this the movie is probably going to be loved by LOTR fans. Almost all the fan reactions have been very positive, while as you say, a lot of the critics compare it to LOTR.
And I seriously doubt the final verdict will be rotten. I'm guessing it's going to settle between 70-75 or so.