Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's YA-novel favorite has cartoon violence in battle scenes. There is a village-destroying dragon, predatory giant spiders, and discreet fatalities; sometimes dead bodies are shown in the distance. Sympathetic characters do die after a climactic battle. Students assigned to read The Hobbit in school might be tempted to use this faithful adaptation as a shortcut. This is not to be confused with a super-sized, live-action Hobbit later directed by Peter Jackson.

Sexual Content

Not applicable.

Violence

Combat and dragon fire kills men, monsters, and "wargs" (wolves), with much of it depicted bloodlessly and unrealistically (some creatures, fatally hit by spells and swords, simply whirl around in a kaleidoscopic camera trick). Dead bodies of men and creatures distantly shown. Trolls, giant spiders, and Gollum threaten to eat the main characters. Threatening creatures turn to stone.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

An underestimated hero, the humble hobbit overcomes a meek nature and dislike of discomfort to become a courageous warrior-adventurer (if only just this once). Futility of greed and war demonstrated by the armies of different races clashing.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Hobbits and Gandalf like to smoke pipes. The wood elves get drunk on wine.