as I mentioned to James earlier in discussion, I understand that there's a rich backstory to Middle Earth and I think that's what is being covered here....the problem is, I don't find that stuff very interesting in the slightest. There's a reason why the LotR books have such mass appeal and the other works don't. I just don't know if they have enough good material (good being the operative word) to fill 3 movies.
That being said...I'll be at the midnight showing of all 3. This is Middle Earth, afterall. It was my first and best love, as far as fantasy works go