Finishing An Unexpected Journey

I've been sitting on this post for a while. I was able to finish disc two of An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition and here are some of my final takeaways:

• Gandalf's entrance to save the Dwarves was sweet
• However, the race out of Goblin Town was a wee bit over the top I felt
• The "pity of Bilbo" was played perfectly by Martin Freeman and his decision not to kill Gollum would have major impact on events to come. 
• Interesting how when Bilbo reunites with the company the Dwarves are most interested in the why he can back; not the how as in the book. Thorin is still suspicious of the Hobbit and Gandalf suspicions are aroused.
• The butterfly/moth sequence was used again as a why for Gandalf to call the Eagles for help. It's a bit odd but it does, in my opinion, have some roots in Tolkien. Manwë is the King of the Valar and the ruler of the winds and airs; in fact it was he that created the giant eagles. So it's not out of the realm of possibility that Gandalf is simply using a communication system set up by Manwë.
• Thorin finely meets Azog; he utters the words it cannot be and I wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment. 
• The Eagles take the Company to the Carrock; and if you look you can see it's bear shaped! Subtle, but it's there. 
• I liked the emotional climax as Thorin finally; three hours later, embraces Bilbo as a member of the Company; useful in his own way and his usefulness will only continue to grow.
• There were some nice book lines scattered throughout (Out of frying pan and into the fire; I'm not a Hero or a Warrior).
• I enjoyed the glimpse of the Lonely Mountain at the end and of course it was a very nice touch to see Smaug (or his eye at least) lazily laying among the gold.