Jonesing for your next cinematic taste of middle earth? If you can’t wait to see “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” in theaters (and again later on Blu-ray Disc), you’ll need something to help pass the time before the midnight premiere. Actually, you are going to have to do this three times over, because the adventures of the young(er) Bilbo Baggins will be spread over three films and released over three years. In the meantime, here are some ideas to keep you busy and get you prepared for the midnight premiere, which as a true fan, you will obviously be attending.

Practical Preparations for the Premiere

• Find which movie theaters are screening the movie in 48 frames-per-second (fps). If Peter Jackson chose to make it that way, true fans will want to see it that way.

• Buy your ticket for the premiere as soon as possible. Make sure your friends buy at the same time so you are in the same theater.

• Request the day after the premiere off from work, because you’ll probably be at the theater until around 4 in the morning. Then, of course, you’ll have to go to a pancake palace to snack and debrief with friends and fellow fans.

• Find and pack your camping gear. You’ll be in line at the theater to get the best seat so you may as well be comfortable. You’ll need a pop-up chair, snacks, blankets and so on.

• Line up some entertainment for the big wait. A friend with a musical instrument is good. Pick out some new downloadable games to play while you’re in line. Buy a pack of playing cards.

• Decide which character you’re dressing up as for the premiere. Probably an elf. Elves are cool and roughly human-sized.

• Get your costume together!

Passing the Time Pre-Premiere

• Reread “The Hobbit” from cover to cover — twice, at least.

• Brush up on your Elvish vernacular.

• Host a costume party where you must attend dressed as a character from “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings.”

• See if your significant other is on board with dressing up as a character for the party and the premiere screening.

• Find a new significant other who values elf lore if your current love interest won’t participate.

• Watch all three “Lord of the Rings” films; ideally in one day. That’s a pretty big Saturday (or Sunday). You should probably go grocery shopping first.

• Get at least three friends who haven’t seen the movies to watch them with you and experience the magical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by Peter Jackson.

• Post a quote a day from the book on Facebook. People did it for the “Twilight” movies, and I’m sure your version will be far superior, because the source material is obviously much richer.

What are you doing to get ready? Are you looking forward to seeing the film in 48 fps? How do you feel about 3-D? Comment away, fellow fans!

Michael Youngman
Michael loves all things relating to movies, pop culture and comedy. When he’s not writing freelance articles, he enjoys hiking, road trips and tossing the tennis ball to TJ, his black lab and best friend.