Sean Astin and Family at The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Premiere

Sean Astin, his wife Christine and eldest daughter Alexandra (who portrayed Sam Gamgee's daughter, Elanor, in Return of the King) attended the world premiere of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in Los Angeles, December 2, 2013.

Elanor and Samwise Gamgee/Alexandra and Sean Astin
Comparison by Linda Iroff

“It’s an absolute triumph, no joke,” enthused Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee in Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, to the filmmaker. “I saw at least nine things I’ve never seen before in movies. I mean, ever!” —Hollywood Reporter

My official review of the movie is that it is spectacular. I absolutely loved it!!!! —Sean Astin Facebook page

Here are videos and photos of Sean and his family on the red carpet prior to the screening.

Additional high-res images from Santa Switch

Here are high-res promotional images from Hallmark's "Santa Switch" premiering December 7, 8pm ET.

As the Christmas season approaches, Dan Ryebeck (Ethan Erickson) is facing unemployment, and struggling to pay for the gifts he thinks will impress his two kids. Little does he know his luck is about to turn around when the real Kris Kringle (Donovan Scott) pays him a visit from the North Pole. Deciding to take a vacation and leave Dan in charge, Kris sends his hard-working elf assistant Eddie (Sean Astin) to guide Dan as the new Santa Claus, hoping he'll learn a lesson in Christmas spirit. As the fate of the whole world's Christmas rests in his hands, can Dan focus on what his family really needs without flubbing his greatest gig yet?

Also check out this cute article about how Sean is Mashed Potato King of Christmas in his home! :-)

Open images in new window for larger versions. More high res photos here.

The Freemason premiere December 7 in Salt Lake City

The Freemason premieres Saturday December 7 at the Gateway Megaplex in Salt Lake City, UT. Tickets are available for only $6.75 for 5pm and 7:30pm MT screenings. In between, beginning at 6:30pm will be red carpet pictures and socializing with cast and crew.  Details here. (Note: Sean is not expected to be there; he is filming in Toronto.)

Here are some high res images from the movie. Open in new window for larger versions. Many thanks to producer Joseph James for providing these exclusively to us!