Middle Earth met Manhattan last night as the stars came out in force for the New York Premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Director Peter Jackson headed the line up which included Hobbit stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Richard Armitage, and of course Lord of the Rings alums Elijah Wood and Liv Tyler. Ireland's own Hobbit star Aidan Turner was on the red carpet (looking rather dapper might we add) with a lovely lady on his arm. Patrick Stewart, Terry Quinn and Chevy Chase were among the other celebs out to see the film. All in all it was a pretty low key affair: We suppose they're saving all the sparkle for the Royal Premiere in London!

With less than a week to go (we're getting very excited) the reviews for the first of Jackson's Hobbit trilogy are coming in quick and fast. Fans in New Zealand have been singing the film's praises but the US critics aren't so enthusiastic. All in all it's a bit of a mixed bag but we're sure that won't stop Irish fans flocking to the cinema!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits Irish cinemas on December 13th.