The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom
Directed by Peter Jackson

As the dwarves, led by Thorin (Richard Armitage) and the Hobbit Bilbo (Martin Freeman), continue on their journey to retake the dwarf land of Erebor, they come into contact with deadly orcs, woodland elves (especially the Elvenking Thranduil, his son Legolas, and the She-Elf Tauriel), and a band of humans on their journey.  Meanwhile, the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) hears of a new deadly force forming, and goes in search of information.  It all leads to a dramatic confrontation with the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch), as the dwarves hope to re-take their home.

Peter Jackson once again brings the magic of JRR Tolkein's masterful novel series to glorious theatrical life with the second installment of "The Hobbit" film trilogy.  The first film was spent with character development and it seemed more childish, but all that is gone with "The Desolation of Smaug," as the action kicks off at the start and continues more or less uninterrupted throughout the two hour forty minute runtime.

No one star takes center stage in this film, as it's clearly an ensemble performance, much like the original "Lord of the Rings" movies.  The film splits off to cover several different storylines, which usually ends in none of them being fully resolved.  Jackson, however, dedicates the time to fully developing each story and, even though none of them come to a conclusion (since, you know, it's only the second film of a trilogy), you're drawn into every story and you really care for and root for those involved.

As far as the differences between the book and the film go, there's some distinct differences, but they don't take away from the main story, and are fresh additions that will draw more people in.  Generally the second film in a trilogy is the least interesting because it has no beginning or end, but this film, I feel, was better than the one before it and sets up the final film very nicely.

My Rating: A

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