I have always thought of Bilbo, as an ordinary Hobbit. In every way. He just went beyond himself, and did very extraordinary things. Hobbits are not happy doing anything, except for drinking resting and eating. It was the thing that made him so special. He went outside himself. He did the unthinkable, as per his life as a Hobbit.
It was the first book that I read of Tolkien's. I then read the trilogy, and every time they came out with a new portrayal of them, I was right there to watch. I have to say; there has never been one that came close to the movies that Jackson has done. Not even close. I venture to say this will be the best that it can be. He is a genius at these.