The first time I read “The Hobbit,” sometime during my senior year of high school, circa 1973-74, I remember crying as I closed the book. J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth was a place I longed to visit and its inhabitants were more like friends than characters. I imagined the Shire where the hobbits lived, the magical dwelling of the elves and the dark and intriguing world of the mountains.

But in no way did my imaginings of Tolkien's world and characters come close to what Peter Jackson has brought to theaters for 17 years.

Jackson's final installment of Bilbo, Dwarf King Thorin Oakenshield, Gandalf, Galadriel and the elves, and the dwarves' saga to save Middle-earth, in “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is nothing short of awesome. And, there were some tears, but also laughter. There was also a good deal of thrashing about in my seat and crying out at the Harbor Theatre during the battle scenes – hey, for me it's been an absorbing, Zen experience during all Jackson's Tolkien-based films.

Jackson's attention to detail and commitment to the telling of these tales, combined with the incredibly talented folk responsible for the special and visual effects teams, wardrobe, set design, animation, makeup, and cinematography is spellbinding.

When the second of the three Hobbit movies, “The Desolation of Smaug” ended, Smaug (Benedict Cumberbacht, a.k.a. Sherlock Holmes) had sealed King Thorin (Richard Armitage), Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the dwarves within the Lonely Mountain, Smaug's lair, which was filled with gold, diamonds and jewels.

The company devises a plan to smother Smaug in molten gold by rekindling the forge within the mountain.

Not only are they unsuccessful in taking their revenge on the dragon that captured the mountain and took control over Erebor (the homeland surrounding the mountain where humans as well as hobbits, dwarves and elves dwelled) they have ticked off the menacing, fire breathing creature.

Smaug decides to exact his own revenge and turns his fiery anger on the human village of Lake-town.

Which brings us to the opening of this final installment.

Villagers are frantically trying to escape the falling structures and embers that surround them as Smaug reduces the town to burning embers.

Smaug is mesmerizing to watch, a true testimony to the magic of special effects — in large part due to Weta Digital in New Zealand.

The foes in this film are many and the technology and imagination that breathes life into them is astounding. From the orcs and goblins to the earth-eaters and war bats, comprising legions of troops prepared to fight to the death to take back the mountain, to the battles — and there are many — you are there as the humans, dwarves and elves fight together to reclaim Erebor.

Breathtaking visuals and solid characterization by a stellar cast keep you totally engaged in this two and three-quarter hour experience.

Some favorite scenes: Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans) cuts a wagon free from its horse to ride it through an alley to save his children from the orcs; King Thorin, possessed by greed and the evil influences within the Lonely Mountain, walks through an immense hallway haunted by the voices of those closest to him, telling him how much he has been changed; Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) turning dark in the ruins of Dol Guldar to face off with the Dark Lord Sauron; and every battle scene.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” is a grand finale and tribute to the works of Tolkien. Jackson directed the film, and was a co-writer and producer.

Treat yourself and your family and enter the fantasy world of Tolkien one last time.

If you haven't shed any tears by the end of the film, stay for the closing song. “The Last Goodbye,” is sung, quite fittingly, by Billy Boyd, who portrayed Frodo Baggins' friend Pippin in the “Lord of the Rings” films.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” is rated PG-13 and is playing at The Harbor Theatre now through Dec. 28 with shows at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 21 and 28 there will be a 2 p.m. matinee as well as the evening show.

The Harbor Theatre is located at 185 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, call 207-633-0438 or visit www.harbortheatre.net.