The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Full Trailer Review

Being an avid fan of Middle-earth, the Hobbit and all things Tolkien, I enjoyed this trailer immensely but I argue that even a non-Hobbit fan will be engaged by its intensity, emotion and epic scope! Check it out below: 

First Impressions

• It appears that Thorin, the noble and selfless dwarf king, has enemies on all sides, including: 

• Bard the Bowman - This unofficial leader of the people of Laketown argued against the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain in The Desolation of Smaug for fear that it would bring fiery retribution against his town - from the looks of things, he was right.  In a very real way, Thorin is partially to blame. 
• Thranduil - As king of the forest elves (from whom Thorin and company escape earlier in their journey) and ally to the men of Laketown, Thranduil has plenty of motive to come against Thorin.  He also mentions something about 'reclaiming something that is mine' - could this be reference to the white gems he mentioned in An Unexpected Journey? Either way, he is definitely bringing an army of elven archers with him and they look ready to fight. 
• Azog the Defiler (a.k.a. "The Pale Orc") - Both personally and historically, Azog represents an arch nemesis for Thorin.  Azog and his legions not only wreaked significant destruction on Thorin's people in An Unexpected Journey but he also beheaded Thorin's grandfather Thror as the first step in wiping out the line of Durin.  It seems only fitting that Azog will lead Sauron's army against Thorin's newly reclaimed kingdom. Their inevitable showdown should be epic!
• While not his enemies, Bilbo and the rest of the dwarves appear to be concerned about Thorin and are questioning his motives.  This is a stark contrast to the attitude of Thorin's comrades earlier in the quest, one of whom praised Thorin by saying, "There is one I could follow. There is one I could call King."
• We will see Galadriel, Elrond and Saruman come to the free the captive Gandalf from the Dark Lord Sauron.  What an epic group of individuals to bring together!  
• Thranduil and Tauriel (captain of the elven guard played by Evangeline Lily) appear to have had a falling out as Thranduil draws his sword against her. 
• Bolg, son of Azog the Defiler and a frightening creature in his own right, will face-off against Legolas in what will undoubtedly be a harrowing clash of titans.

Overall, I found the trailer emotionally driven, in no small part due to Howard Shore's terrific score, but epic in scope - given the legions of forces from all races charging toward each other for one great and terrible battle.  I'm really excited for the film. All that is left to do is decide whether to see The Hobbit Marathon or the midnight showing...decision, decisions. When and/or how are you planning to see the final chapter of Middle-earth unfold?  Let me know in the comments section below. Thanks!