For decades, novelist J.R.R. Tolkien’s work has captivated readers and audiences with stories of brave heroes, enormous battles and several determined hobbits. On Dec. 17, a chapter of that story is coming to a close. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the third and final installment of The Hobbit trilogy as well as the last prequel film for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The highly-anticipated finale is expected to rake in millions at the box office and keep movie-goers on the edge of their seats until the final scene.

When we last saw Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit played by Martin Freeman, he had helped his dwarvish friends recapture their gold and treasure from the dragon Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. However, not everything went according to plan. Smaug is now headed to nearby Lake-town, and the only man who can stop him is Bard, a skilled archer played by Luke Evans. To make matters worse for our heroes, Gandalf, a powerful wizard played by Ian McKellen, has been captured and is unable to warn Bilbo and the dwarves about a sinister army that is marching towards them.

This book-to-film adaptation has everything it needs to be a huge success. An all-star cast leads the way with Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and Lee Pace (Thranduil) all reprising their roles. Howard Shore, who has composed iconic music for all of the previous Lord of the Rings movies, will no doubt deliver another masterpiece. Director Peter Jackson has all the tools he needs to make this movie the biggest blockbuster of 2014.

Expectations are high, but it looks like the final chapter of The Hobbit will not disappoint.