The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Review

Peter Jackson is back again in full swing delivering the next Hobbit film, which is based upon J. R. R. Tolkien’s world of fantasy. So, it’s time to take a ride and ramp up our imaginations. But, before we do, ask yourself this: Are you ready to continue the adventure?

The Good

I feel like I am really in the Shire: The visuals in the second Hobbit film are superb. Even without 3D, it was an engaging experience. Surreal pans of grandiose vistas, battle-hardened Orcs, and lush visual effects really amp up the excitement and entertainment.

Maximum intensity: Each action sequence provides the audience with an enthralling and exhilarating experience. One scene in particular had the dwarfs and Bilbo riding in barrels among torrid rapid  currents while fighting Orcs. What stood out was the continuous flow of action, for there were no cutaways; it was one seamless play-through. Additionally, there were other amazing action sequences where the fighting continued in one breath taking shot filled with immense battles between foes. You can feel the intensity of Bilbo’s tension when he confronts the Dragoon Smaug. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug kept the audience on edge throughout most of the movie.

Take me on an adventure: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug takes the audience to a variety of memorizing landscapes that are magnificent.  With the second installation of the Hobbit, you get it all. From the warmth of the nostalgic caverns and inns, to the Elven woodlands, to a village that resembles an arctic Venice, to the Dwarfen Kingdom within the Lonely Mountain, the audience is met with a plethora of imaginative destinations.

I believe it: What really makes the second Hobbit film stand out from the rest is the way the actors convey sincere emotion in every situation that confronts them. The talented cast  of characters allows the audience to absorb every drop of dialog. Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), and the rest of the cast deliver an impeccable performance that is effortlessly executed.

This is a long movie, but I can’t stop watching: At 2 hours and 40 minutes (bladder popping territory), one would expect that the audience would give up on the movie. But, this is not the case. The Desolation of Smaug flows in a way that makes time fly for viewers, for it seemed like the movie was just an 1 hour and 30 minute film. The action, tension, and scenery are enough to keep everyone wanting more. Even when the movie was at its conclusion, the audience in the theater sat there longing for more and hoping the film did not end. So, the longevity of the movie is actually quite a big plus in our book.

Music to my ears: From the upbeat and lovable chime of the Shire, to the more serious and deeper Hobbit theme, The Desolation of Smaug stirs the senses at every turn. Additionally, the sound effects were exceptionally captivating. The roar of  Smaug the dragon, the marching waves of Orcs, the crackling of debris, and the clashing of weaponry all draw the audience even further into J. R. R. Tolkien world of fantasy.

The Bad

Game of Thrones anyone?: The cliffhanger to this movie was hard to take in, for the screen suddenly blacks out  just when things are really about to get even crazier. This has Game of Thrones written all over it since every episode leaves the viewer left wondering about a critical event that was about to occur; an event that could either lead to a major character being killed, or a major battle that is about to take place.

Conclusion

Simply put, if you are a fan of the Lord of The Rings Trilogy, or a fan of the fantasy genre, you will absolutely love this movie. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug brings it all: intense action; immense tension; adventurous landscapes; breath taking visuals; and incredible acting. If you are looking for an exceptional and gratifying visual experience, then look no further. Thus, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is definitively worth the price of admission, and we look forward to the next and final film The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Review by XMACHINE9000