The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

5

emlugo123Feb 23, 2015

A really disappointing ending to a boring trilogy. The battle scenes were full of CGI, something I have been disappointed with ever since an Unexpected Journey. The Hobbit had so much potential but bad pacing of the movies really did it for me.

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9

CameraBounceGodFeb 21, 2015

other than the fact that Bolg essentially rails Tauriel for keyleg to see...the whole thing was a beautiful and even funny at times movie. Armitage and Freeman give the best performances of all...and it was awesome that Azog was commandingother than the fact that Bolg essentially rails Tauriel for keyleg to see...the whole thing was a beautiful and even funny at times movie. Armitage and Freeman give the best performances of all...and it was awesome that Azog was commanding his army from the mountain with the signal flag thing....also I don't blame Thorin for being in awe at that final moment thinking he has won. The book itself is so smart....The Durins do not Endure........Get it? also it shows that galadriel is creepy just like the influence that attractive people have is creepy....theres noway gal lad reels keep the devil at bay....elrond seeing the future is what does it....… Expand

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0

boubadiopFeb 19, 2015

Just really really bad

I honestly believe half the film is spent fighting two big orcs on ice that scene seems to last forever. The amount of times characters are almost near death and get saved at the last minute reaches a stupidJust really really bad

I honestly believe half the film is spent fighting two big orcs on ice that scene seems to last forever.

The amount of times characters are almost near death and get saved at the last minute reaches a stupid number and starts to become so boring and repetitive one of the worst films I've watched in a long long time… Expand

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8

GntexFeb 16, 2015

This is a great movie no doubt, but even as a fan of the Lord of the Rings, and the first two "The Hobbit" movies, I must admit that this amazing film should have been part of the second movie.

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3

CriticccFeb 15, 2015

We saw this at a second run theater because we had missed it over the holidays. My husband loves Tolkien and I loved the Hobbit when I read it as a child. I am glad our tickets were only $6.50.

My husband and I were very disappointed.We saw this at a second run theater because we had missed it over the holidays. My husband loves Tolkien and I loved the Hobbit when I read it as a child. I am glad our tickets were only $6.50.

My husband and I were very disappointed. The characters were fine, and the acting was fine but there was a huge left turn at the end that didn't make any sense. In the book there is a funeral for Thorin and his nephews who are killed in the battle. Instead, in the movie one nephew, Fili, got killed off away from the battle on top of a tower on a high rock and was never heard from again after he fell off a sheer drop. The other, nephew, Kili, dies in the arms of his elf lover--fine, its a movie. Thorin then spends 10 minutes trying to kill a big orc and both die in the struggle. NONE OF THIS WAS IN THE BOOK. In the book there is a funeral where Thorin and Fili and KIli are laid to rest with their swords and the Arkenstone is placed on Thorin's chest. His cousin, Dain, becomes King under the Mountain, gives the company their shares of the loot, and rules the mountain with the dwarves. In the movie, there were terrible loose ends--it is not explained what happens to the Arkenstone, nor if the dwarves and Bilbo get any of the loot, nor what happens to the dwarves and the mountain. 10 seconds of eagles and Bjorn the bear coming to help could have been really fun fight scenes from the ground level--instead the eagles seemed to strafe the orcs and then that's it--no drama from the top of the high rock. And who were the weird monsters that came out of the hillside for about 20 seconds? Never explained and not in Tolkien. Did the orcs know that their leader died? What if Thorin had pushed him over and the big orc had fallen off the rock? Then Thorin could have died more nobly on the level ground, and maybe Fili and Kili could have survived the big orc only to die defending their uncle from some other orcs in the fighting, as the book made clear. A lovely funeral for Thorin and the nephews in the mountain with them laid out nicely would have been better than Bilbo simply chatting up the dwarves and saying goodbye. We could have seen the Arkenstone on Thorin's body, and elf-girl could have taken one last look at Kili there. Dain could have presented Bilbo his share of the loot and we would have known that he was the new ruler--instead Balin looks like the head dwarf at the end of the movie--why not Dain--he was a good character and related to Thorin and was part of the original plot?

I do not understand it--did they cut a scene? Run out of money? What went wrong?

I was skeptical about breaking the Hobbit into three movies, where two would have done fine, but I was satisfied with the first two installments. The third version is so bad that I want to tell Peter Jackson to go back and redo the ending. He is no Tolkien. As I said, parts were good, especially the first half of the movie with Lake Town and Bard, but the Battle itself was unnecessarily bad--sure the special effects were fine, but the plot died before Thorin did. Tolkien had the bones of a plot ending that would have been easy to build on with cool special effects added instead of putting the plot in the trash can. I think they had to cut a couple of scenes--it is the only explanation I can come up with that accounts for all the loose ends.

It is really too bad because after Peter Jackson did pretty well with LOTR and the first two installments of The Hobbit, he has to end it on such a bad, inconclusive ending. Points to the actors, and no points to Peter Jackson on The Battle of Five Armies.… Expand

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5

CallumOKeeffeFeb 15, 2015

The 250 million dollar equivalent to Tolkien fan-fiction, this film does little to excite, impress or make the viewer feel with its excessive borrowing from the previous Lord of the Rings trilogy, ridiculous sub-plot filler and overallThe 250 million dollar equivalent to Tolkien fan-fiction, this film does little to excite, impress or make the viewer feel with its excessive borrowing from the previous Lord of the Rings trilogy, ridiculous sub-plot filler and overall predictable story that drags out for ages and lacks any adventurous or epic conviction. Regardless of all this, The Battle of the Five Armies was never insulting and was an enjoyable film to laugh at but not laugh with. Watch it with friends and the 2 hours and 20 minutes will be much easier to stomach.… Expand

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10

SpongeBobfan13Feb 14, 2015

I LOVE the Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings! They are my favorite movies. The Battle of the Five Armies is a really good movie. It has a lot of fighting throughout the movie! Peter Jackson did a good job of making the Battle of The Five ArmiesI LOVE the Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings! They are my favorite movies. The Battle of the Five Armies is a really good movie. It has a lot of fighting throughout the movie! Peter Jackson did a good job of making the Battle of The Five Armies long since it is only about 4 or five chapters long in the book!… Expand

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10

ExtremeTroll54Feb 12, 2015

How do some of you rate this so poorly. its fantasy so yeah its supposed to be fake. frhfdsjfhkjdshfkj dshfkjhdskjfhdskjfhdsfkjdshkjfhdskjhdsjkfndskjfdsk

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7

beingryanjudeFeb 10, 2015

When looking at any of the three films in the Hobbit trilogy, it is unfair to constantly compare them to the brilliance of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy--we all know those are masterpieces. While the Hobbit series may not be, thisWhen looking at any of the three films in the Hobbit trilogy, it is unfair to constantly compare them to the brilliance of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy--we all know those are masterpieces. While the Hobbit series may not be, this final installment manages to capture much more of the adventure and excitement of the Hobbit novel. Peter Jackson and Co.'s decision to expand the Hobbit is justified very much so in this grand finale.… Expand

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10

rman1256Feb 9, 2015

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow… Expand

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8

mrmonsterFeb 8, 2015

I did not have high hopes for this movie, but this was fantastic. After the Desolation of Smoag, i was cautious about seeing this movie at all, but this was the best in the trilogy. It had good action, good characters, and an excellent story.I did not have high hopes for this movie, but this was fantastic. After the Desolation of Smoag, i was cautious about seeing this movie at all, but this was the best in the trilogy. It had good action, good characters, and an excellent story. Still not as good as the original Lord of the Rings, but still worth watching.… Expand

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5

Lumio_DracoFeb 8, 2015

"Too little butter spread over too much bread." That is my impression of the Hobbit series. It is a great story, however I found it to be very unnecessary to make it into three movies when I could have be much better in one four hour movie.

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5

MeritCobaFeb 7, 2015

Ouch,, just seen the last in the hobbit trilogy. It was just painfully bad.

Jackson simply stopped pretending to have any sort of story line with characters to root for. The whole movie comes down to a very long drawn out extended seriesOuch,, just seen the last in the hobbit trilogy. It was just painfully bad.

Jackson simply stopped pretending to have any sort of story line with characters to root for. The whole movie comes down to a very long drawn out extended series of fights that are interspersed with some dialog. It doesn't make any sense whatsoever and it is not meant to.

There is a kind of hap-hazed romance story between an elf and a dwarf that is never developed in any part of the trilogy and we never get to understand why these two members of two very different races would feel anything for each other. It is just a given and you just have to go with it.
(Incidently. Jackson is just bad at romances. He basically made a mess of the few romances in the lord of the rings. Like he is a big boy that has to have love scenes because the story has them, but really doesn't know how they work or what to do with them.)

There is Thorin, head dwarf and now the king of the mountain and all that lies within. He commands a mighty army of about twelve dwarves that constitutes a force on equal footing to an army or hundreds of other dwarves, elves or orcs as people are asking why Thorin doesn't intervene in the battles as if his intervention would make the difference between losing and winning them. And it actually does...because he directly assaults the main baddie. Gosh.. how come nobody thought of that one?

There is this head orc Azog who looks similar to all the other orcs that get killed so you continuously wonder if this or that guy just killed the bad orc. No he didn't.. it is just one that looks like him.

There is Gandalf, the grand wizard who excels in not doing anything magical whatsoever. Geesh people.. why don' t you let him cast some spell so he looks like a wizard. But no, he just does some fancy moves with his staff and sword in a few battles. That is about it.

There is even a showing up of some of the powers of the lord of the ring movies: Saruman, Galadriel and Elrond, who are fighting the nine ring wraiths for god knows what reason. It is not in the hobbit or in the lord of the rings, but hey they are cool. And granted any time one of these enter the scene they are cool.

There is Legolas making a sort of cameo that doesn't belong in this movie as he isn't supposed to be in this tale. So he is in it, but not too much because it is not his movie . Like Jackson couldn't decide what to do with him but wanting him to be in it. And granted. He is impressive. Why just not make him a main figure then?

And worst of all: Eowyn is not in it.
If they had to have about anyone in it, why not Eowyn? She at least is someone I could connect with as she was human and not specifically special. She was brave and not some unhuman person. Have Eowyn in it!

But she isn't in this movie, just like nobody really is in this movie because too many people are. If they had just trimmed the story down to a few people instead of the cast of many, then at least we had some people to connect with. But we don't. And even what little screentime is given to acting is given to such superfluous characters as Alfrid ,the sidekick of the master of Laketown, a character that Jackson made up, while he already has dozens running around that eat the precious acting time. This guy probably got more screen time in this episode than Bilbo has.

And that is Jackson for you. Instead of doing more with less he thinks that more and more and even more is the way to go: more actors, more fight scenes, more orcs, more cgi. But the acting and story telling get to be less and less and less.

Why go through all this trouble to make a movie that is basically a long drawn out muddled affair that isn't quite a good battle nor a good tale? Why not redo the battle of Gaugamela? It is big. It is cool. It has a hero in it and a bad guy(if you want to picture Darius that way). It has a story line that is pretty established so even Jackson can not mess it up. It leads to an epic confrontation and decides the fate of lot of real people.. Please make that one next.. with orcs and dwarves if you have to.
At least you have something that is coherent.

A thumbs up for Richard Armitage for his Thorin character, and thumbs down for the dumb elf dwarf love affair that shouldn't be in there, but if it has to at least make it one that is gripping like Romeo and Julia!… Expand

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2

DunaddFeb 1, 2015

Ok for the first 60 - 70%, then, where the battle with the orcs and goblins and warg riders and wolves in a horde under storm clouds and swarms of bats and lightning, swarming around mountainsides desperately defended by dwarves, men andOk for the first 60 - 70%, then, where the battle with the orcs and goblins and warg riders and wolves in a horde under storm clouds and swarms of bats and lightning, swarming around mountainsides desperately defended by dwarves, men and elves should have been, and where there should have been a giant bear fighting trolls and giant eagles, instead Jackson decided he could do it better. And produced a tedious atrocity of dull, predictable one-one-one duels, with ridiculous video editing that removed all possibility of suspending disbelief.

Oh and such great alterations to the book as Fili (or was it Kili) saying "I've got this", which really fitted in perfectly.

He should be dressed as Bolg son of Azog and torn apart live on film by a giant bear as part of a book-accurate remake, to pay for his crimes against Tolkienity. He shall never see the lights of Valinor, and nor shall his accursed, witless followers.… Expand

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7

PontificatorJan 31, 2015

A good film with superb acting and great effects. Out of all the Hobbit films, this should have been the one to blow the doors off the hinges. Instead I came away with a sense of unfulfilled opportunity and thoughts how it could have beenA good film with superb acting and great effects. Out of all the Hobbit films, this should have been the one to blow the doors off the hinges. Instead I came away with a sense of unfulfilled opportunity and thoughts how it could have been better. That alone has this film cleaving only seven (7) busted blocks as the rest escape in battle… Expand

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9

A1K4PWN3DJan 29, 2015

While I am sad to see a second Peter Jackson Middle-Earth trilogy come to a close, this one felt as good as Return of the King did when I first saw it. While it does tell a slightly different story than the book, it still makes for anWhile I am sad to see a second Peter Jackson Middle-Earth trilogy come to a close, this one felt as good as Return of the King did when I first saw it. While it does tell a slightly different story than the book, it still makes for an exciting film and great conclusion. #OneLastTime… Expand

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5

Loler13grJan 28, 2015

I really wanted to like this movie but in the end I walked out of the movie theater disappointed. The first 30-40 minutes feel unnecessary and it's only a delay to the battle which is the main event of the movie and consumed about two thirdsI really wanted to like this movie but in the end I walked out of the movie theater disappointed. The first 30-40 minutes feel unnecessary and it's only a delay to the battle which is the main event of the movie and consumed about two thirds of the time. The Gandalf vs The Necromancer storyline , which is really interesting since it was not presented in the book , also feels it was shoved into the movie only to make it a little bit longer. There are scenes that gave me shivers like the final scene or the scene where Aragorn is mentioned ( his name is never mentioned ) but other than that the battle was nothing but a bunch of mediocre CGI dwarvs and goblins fighting each other with some trolls , bats and worms making short appearances. The love story ( which is not a part of the book ) is doing it's best to keep us guessing about it's end but even that fails to deliver. Finally Legolas and Thranduil are over-powered and kind of ruin the epic battle feeling since Legolas and three dwarvs take on an army of thousand goblins and Thranduil single-handedly kills hundreds of goblins too. Despite all that the things that made LOTR and the other two Hobbit movies great are there with great performances , breath-taking landscapes , an epic battle against Smaug and a great soundtrack. Also the ending was perfect with a subliminal message marking the end of the Middle-Earth movies Era ( Silmarilion takes place in the North )… Expand

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9

JFaddJan 28, 2015

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Spectacular. What else is there to say? It has Smaug's demise, the battle for the lonely mountain, and Bilbo returning home. That's all that needed to happen and that's what did...besides a fewThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Spectacular. What else is there to say? It has Smaug's demise, the battle for the lonely mountain, and Bilbo returning home. That's all that needed to happen and that's what did...besides a few filler scenes with Radagast, Galadriel, and Saruman, but that's okay! Peter Jackson gave us something he said he would never do, and it is just as good as the Lord of the Rings.… Expand

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7

Ryzoft_StipeJan 26, 2015

The movie is unfinished, and completely looks like rushed. Most of the things were unexplained, but overall, is good. To be honest, I was dissapointed, especially when they devoted very little time to the scene Gandalf tells Bilbo he knowsThe movie is unfinished, and completely looks like rushed. Most of the things were unexplained, but overall, is good. To be honest, I was dissapointed, especially when they devoted very little time to the scene Gandalf tells Bilbo he knows about the ring.… Expand

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8

gamerzxJan 23, 2015

Brilliant movie. Based on what it's not.

Good movie good script. Deserves an 8. It's brilliant in what it isn't. It isn't the first 3 movies. The Fellowship etc. is a masterpiece of drama and action. The Hobbit series is not. What theBrilliant movie. Based on what it's not.

Good movie good script. Deserves an 8. It's brilliant in what it isn't. It isn't the first 3 movies. The Fellowship etc. is a masterpiece of drama and action. The Hobbit series is not.

What the Hobbit series is solid storytelling. From an unexpected party to Riddles in the dark. To Beorn's house to Bilbo's waking of smaug. The Battle of The Fiv Armies could have had more drama. It could have had more sorrow. More epic combat. It didn't. Waiting for Dwalin to swing a maul in epic fashion turned into Dwalin as an emotional wreck at the change in Thorin. Thorin could have led his Company in epic combat and fallen in battle slicing down Bolg's bodyguard. He didn't. He died in single combat. Not dramatic not epic. But brilliant.

The love story added is,well, Hollywood. It leaves the story intact, but it's bringing in an element of what might have been (and some women) to the movie. It also brings the elf army and dwarf army to light in solid fashion. The men are a little weak. Original and on the surface dull. All told Peter jackson and crew have lost nothing. Peter Jackson's directing neither takes from other movies nor outdoes them. Solid storytelling. Reminding us that the actors and audience as well as the genre lose nothing from these movies. They only gain.

I would have like to give it a 9 or 10. It doesn't deserve it. It deserves what is offered to us from the actors and crew. Something we can enjoy. Something they can be proud of achieving… Expand

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10

WRRJan 22, 2015

One of my favorite movies, The Hobbit the Battle of the Five Armies was a chapter from the end of the Hobbit book made into a whole movie. Epic, perfect computer animation, you will find it here. Sure, it had it's issues. Azog was notOne of my favorite movies, The Hobbit the Battle of the Five Armies was a chapter from the end of the Hobbit book made into a whole movie. Epic, perfect computer animation, you will find it here. Sure, it had it's issues. Azog was not supposed to be in the movies. But that was (in my opinion) one of the two best movies of 2014.… Expand

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0

kinoralphJan 21, 2015

FAKE. Fake story about fake characters that go to save a fake kingdom being conducted by a fake director who lost creativity bringing the most fake of fights.So long middle earth. you start so wonderful but had a shallow end.

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6

Jes1310Jan 21, 2015

Loved the second LOTR movie (the one with all the fighting in it). So I expected to like the battle of the five armies as well. But it has none of the easy flowingness that the LOTR has. Boss battles are to long and just plain stupid.

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5

DartboardJan 20, 2015

Reasonably entertaining, but it feels obligatory and suffers from a lack of heart and passion. Not nearly as emotionally enthralling as any of the Lord of the Rings films, and you can only have so many fight sequences before they start toReasonably entertaining, but it feels obligatory and suffers from a lack of heart and passion. Not nearly as emotionally enthralling as any of the Lord of the Rings films, and you can only have so many fight sequences before they start to blur together. The story is thin and does not sustain a 144-minute film, so you might find it a bit dull by the time the third act rolls around. There are a few subplots interwoven throughout, but they leave next to no impact, and that's a problem with the film as a whole, I feel - it's a finale without impact. That in itself is disappointing. That said, the film is technically sound, the performances are solid (despite the occasional cringe-worthy piece of dialogue), and it's always nice to take a visit to Middle-earth. Unfortunately, none of these qualities save it from the weak writing, which is made even more unfortunate by the potential the trilogy had after The Desolation of Smaug.… Expand

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4

traffmeisterJan 19, 2015

Where did the goats come from? This film is filled with stupid cuts, extended and thrown in sequences that go nowhere near the source material and I feel Tolkein would have been rather displeased with this OTT overly long mess of a movie. TheWhere did the goats come from? This film is filled with stupid cuts, extended and thrown in sequences that go nowhere near the source material and I feel Tolkein would have been rather displeased with this OTT overly long mess of a movie. The book did NOT need to be split into 3 parts, but as usual, the prospect of money prevailed...… Expand

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2

jakubukajJan 19, 2015

A poor excuse for a finale to the Hobbit trilogy. Although I feel that the other two films were also rather weak, Jackson's failings as a storyteller really come into their own in The Battle of the Five Armies. The film is little more than aA poor excuse for a finale to the Hobbit trilogy. Although I feel that the other two films were also rather weak, Jackson's failings as a storyteller really come into their own in The Battle of the Five Armies. The film is little more than a showy collection of battle scenes and special effects that drown a poor screenplay, and in themselves are as tiring as they are bloated and pointless. Emotionally uninvolving, uninspiring and entirely forgettable: give me Jackson's old splatstick any day of the week!… Expand

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7

zanithanJan 15, 2015

Reasonably engrossing and entertaining. No, it is not as good as the LOTR trilogy. But it is suspenseful and fun.

For those looking for a good action movie with fantasy elements then this is worth renting or going to the theaters to see ifReasonably engrossing and entertaining. No, it is not as good as the LOTR trilogy. But it is suspenseful and fun.

For those looking for a good action movie with fantasy elements then this is worth renting or going to the theaters to see if you have some cash and nothing better to do.… Expand

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10

WARCHILDJan 13, 2015

Watched this one from the 3rd row, in high frame rate 3D. It was amazing detail and the best 3D experience I've had in a decade. Times running out if you haven't already had that experience, I fully recommend it.

The movie itself wasWatched this one from the 3rd row, in high frame rate 3D. It was amazing detail and the best 3D experience I've had in a decade. Times running out if you haven't already had that experience, I fully recommend it.

The movie itself was unsurprisingly great! You have to forgive the writers for their liberties and you have to read between the lines in the book to appreciate the movie. If you're "The book was better" type -- don't go. In the end, Tolkien would have either loved or hated all of the first and second trilogies. I for one thought the Hobbit was just as good as LOTR. No matter what the writers did, the acting in all three of the Hobbit films is superb.… Expand

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9

SilentJayJan 13, 2015

The 3 Hobbit movies were wonderful and a great representation of the Classic novel by the same title. It may not be as good as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It also suffered from what happened to Star Wars in the way it was going up againstThe 3 Hobbit movies were wonderful and a great representation of the Classic novel by the same title. It may not be as good as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It also suffered from what happened to Star Wars in the way it was going up against itself. So it could never live up too the LOTR hype. But for me I was very happy to revisit a story that was both part of my childhood and adulthood as well. I just have to say well done Mr. Jackson and Thank you again. Part of me wishes there was more stories but maybe this is the right place and time to end the series/saga and enjoy it for ages to come!… Expand

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1

nicholasbertJan 12, 2015

The worst episode in an already appalling trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies finally erases any doubts on the cashgrab nature of The Hobbit franchise, filling two and a half hours with action scenes and mindless dialogue, and tonnes,The worst episode in an already appalling trilogy, The Battle of the Five Armies finally erases any doubts on the cashgrab nature of The Hobbit franchise, filling two and a half hours with action scenes and mindless dialogue, and tonnes, tonnes upon tonnes of CGI. I don't think there is one consecutive minute of this film which doesn't have CGI. What happened to The Lord of the Rings mentality, people say? It got corrupted, ironically in the same way Thorin gets corrupted in the movie; but unfortunately it doesn't redeem itself.

And let's talk more about the CGI. One would naively expect, since it's the primary feature of this movie, that it be at least done well. And it isn't: half of the scenes look completely fake - there is no desire anywhere to produce at least a technical masterpiece. The Return of the King was made with a third the budget and more than 10 years prior, but it's still technically better, from the costumes to the makeup to the scenery.

Now for the editing: especially at the beginning, there are several weird cuts to unrelated scenes, and it all results in a confusing storyline (not in the good sense, not in the Pulp Fiction sense), with the battle scenes lasting forever, to a point when, 90 minutes in, one finds theirselves asking "Are we done yet?" Moreover, they decided NOT to complete The Desolation of Smaug with its natural ending, that is the slaying of the dragon, but to drag it at the beginning of the third movie, I assume in an attempt to force people who liked the second to buy a ticket for the third to find out what happens to Smaug, with a cheap sit-com mentality.

The Battle of the Five Armies is a pain to watch, never wants to end, and if you were to take a nap during the middle of the film you wouldn't lose one single important element of plot. It's not epic, it's not funny, it's not beautiful, it's not anything positive really. The producers must feel ashamed, but don't say you weren't expecting this.… Expand

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10

AllacinJan 11, 2015

Hats off to Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, & Co. for Hobbit 3! After lecturing on J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis for 10 years at my kids' high school, IHats off to Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, & Co. for Hobbit 3! After lecturing on J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis for 10 years at my kids' high school, I appreciate the obvious love and respect for the Lord of the Rings books they have (contrasted with how the last 2 Narnia books were treated). THEY HAVE WOVEN A SEAMLESS GARMENT OUT OF TOLKIEN'S SILVER THREADS with sparkles of their own, inspired by Tolkien's own appendices and indexes. It will take more than 2015 to think through all the connections they made between Hobbit 1-3 and LOTR 1-3!… Expand

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9

lukechristianscJan 11, 2015

The last Hobbit was a good til the twisted ending which i hated! But the i enjoyed the final chapter of J.R Tolken's series and i will miss Jackson's franchise. The battle sequences in The Battle of the Five Armies were so exciting,The last Hobbit was a good til the twisted ending which i hated! But the i enjoyed the final chapter of J.R Tolken's series and i will miss Jackson's franchise. The battle sequences in The Battle of the Five Armies were so exciting, thrilling to watch and so were the characters, Bilbo is still the same (which is good), Martin Freeman has the energy for Baggins. The Story is what put the popcorn in my mouth! and that's why we see this movie; Fans of the book will most likely dislike it cause some characters that aren't suppose to be in this one (a not needed), but don't blame screenwriters (Philppa Boyens,Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson and acclaimed Guillermo del Toro)!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

RedBredJan 11, 2015

I loved it! Tolkien has created such a wonderful story and body of work. I think Peter Jackson has handled it with respect and love. I hope we'll see more of the Silmarillion handled with similar care.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

ozymandias79Jan 10, 2015

This movie is awful. It's so bad, I was rooting for the bad guys. I couldn't have cared less about any of the characters and couldn't remember anything from the previous two films. The fact that these movies get extended cuts is a joke. IThis movie is awful. It's so bad, I was rooting for the bad guys. I couldn't have cared less about any of the characters and couldn't remember anything from the previous two films. The fact that these movies get extended cuts is a joke. I want to see less not more.

The beginning should have been the ending to the last movie. Should film goers feel ripped off - YES! A theme of this film is greed which is interesting because greed got these movies made. All I can say is - DO NOT PAY MONEY TO SEE THE HOBBIT MOVIES!!!!!… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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2

AxeTJan 9, 2015

Excruciating! Yes big competently crafted fantasy production, but goes on way too long as expected from the adolescent director. A fitting end to a horribly over drawn bloated series that's as boring as it gets. Never have I wanted the endExcruciating! Yes big competently crafted fantasy production, but goes on way too long as expected from the adolescent director. A fitting end to a horribly over drawn bloated series that's as boring as it gets. Never have I wanted the end credits to roll more in a movie theatre.
Note to the auteur: WAKE UP teenager! MORE is NOT more! You ruined your King Kong remake this way. You turned a pulpy, fun adventure yarn (albeit a cinematic classic in the original and the 1976 for that matter, especially compared to your re-telling) into a long in the tooth epic of boring action that guess what Peter? RUINED the pathos at the end of the story due to the audience being so wiped out from all your bs dinosaur chases and bug battles. We didn't give a damn about the girl and Kong at the hour 3 mark! We just wanted to escape from your 12-year-old clutches. You rank in the pantheon of most over-rated directors working today who don't understand editing. You're in bad company with the ranks of such failed editorial directors as PT Anderson, Judd Apatow, and Wes Anderson. All self indulgent little boys in love with their own s---, none students of say Hitchcock and in service of the Audience.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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6

DukeJonJan 9, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1. film starts as the previous film should have ended. death of dragon
2. by time dragon is dead whole town destroyed anyway
3. why bard's son's head not sheared off by daddy uses him to kill dragon
4. an hour of "a war is coming"
5. thorin changes character. again
6. street fighter battle with sauron
7. battle starts. if orcs had waited an hour they would have had a far easier battle as elves would have killed dwarves by then
8. hours of cgi. orcs are really tough and well armoured by they are beaten up by men, elves, dwarves and old human women
9. suspense of disbelief violated. walking up falling debris
10. unfunny comedy turn in a dress
11. hour of mini boss battles
12. gandalf fills his pipe
13. auction in the shire

and finally

14. eagles come in at the last moment to win the battle. again.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

imthenoobJan 8, 2015

By far the best film of the series but that isn't saying much. The needless love triangle story line, The awkward bits of comedy through out...even during the more serious moments of the film, The battles were far too CGI filled and fastBy far the best film of the series but that isn't saying much. The needless love triangle story line, The awkward bits of comedy through out...even during the more serious moments of the film, The battles were far too CGI filled and fast paced...you could not enjoy them in the slightest, and a majority of the big parts of this film were very anti-climactic. Not to mention the serious over acting through out.

The Hobbit Trilogy was a serious disappointment and this one is no exception. However, It was still sadly the best film in the series and the only one even remotely worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

manofthemoonJan 8, 2015

With dialogue so continually bad, it's as though Jackson simply gave up at some point or decided to build a LOTR cliche theme park in which now you simply laugh at the eagles arriving, rather than cheer them on. Bilbo is a supportingWith dialogue so continually bad, it's as though Jackson simply gave up at some point or decided to build a LOTR cliche theme park in which now you simply laugh at the eagles arriving, rather than cheer them on. Bilbo is a supporting character again and you're left simply not caring because this final part of what should have been two movies at most is sadly just boring. A glorified extended battle in which Legolas tries to relive his best LOTR moves but, in a "Game of Thrones" world, it all seems so very dated. At times it borders on "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" or "Phantom Menace" complete with its own Jar Jar Binks. You can see why there's a petition to keep Jackson away from "The Silmarillion". This is lazy and bloated and believes it hype. A sad end to it all. There and back again and again and again and...etc.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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1

FeralsteveJan 7, 2015

Not fan of these kids books nor the overly long and dull Lord of the Rings movies, so I'm totally not the target audience for this. That said, I enjoy quite a bit of sci fi/ fantasy films. This is not one of them. It suffers from all theNot fan of these kids books nor the overly long and dull Lord of the Rings movies, so I'm totally not the target audience for this. That said, I enjoy quite a bit of sci fi/ fantasy films. This is not one of them. It suffers from all the typical modern Hollywood bloat and excessive cgi. There is quite literally NO STORY to this film. No arch at all. Amazingly dull.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

genericusenameJan 6, 2015

Could have been a lot better, but it was still a fun movie. A bit too much CGI for my tastes, but there were still a lot of good action sequences. I also liked the portrayals of Thorin and Bilbo very much, though the female elf was reallyCould have been a lot better, but it was still a fun movie. A bit too much CGI for my tastes, but there were still a lot of good action sequences. I also liked the portrayals of Thorin and Bilbo very much, though the female elf was really shoehorned into the movie. Still, it's better than Desolation, though not quite as good as Unexpected Journey. A solid end to a trilogy that, while respectable, never quite lived up to its hype.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

chesaroJan 5, 2015

I still don't understand why there where 3 movies, and this last one is the worst, nothing that we haven't seen before happens, at least on the second part smaug was very important

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

olli1992Jan 4, 2015

All you self opinionated people stop giving games/movies scores of zero. It is so stupid and irresponsible. You are corrupting the user score so much. Do u even realise this? Yeah, you probably do but just dont care....................

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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7

lusnuanoJan 4, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. By now, we are used to the directive style of Peter Jackson. He has a unique and unparalleled way of bringing the works if Tolkien alive. His three smash hits of The Lord of the Rings trilogy proved this. Similarly to the ending if The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as I expected, it proved a good finale which answers all the audience's questions. Similarly, this film is also packed with the Jackson-esque CGI, stunning visual scenery and epic battle scenes. Not to mention the script, which creates the emotional and epic lines we all expected to hear from characters such as Thorin and Gandalf.

Why, then, have I not given it 10/10? As one of those who has read The Hobbit, the addition of barely mentioned characters and new plots particularly stood out. In the first film, this seemed to add to the film's central theme, especially through the eccentric and wacky rabbit-sleigh-riding Radagast and the idea of the 'Necromancer.' However, in this film is just felt as if they were trying to almost repeat Lord if the Rings. The fact that a battle that is hardly mentioned dominates almost the entire film means that they try to squash in as much Lord-of-the-Ringsy stuff as possible. This includes Legolas (only appears in LOtR), a romance with an elf as a female partner, unimaginable numbers if Orcs and random shots of tall towers. When Tauriel laments over Thorin's death and she says something like 'at least our love was real,' I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking 'they're at it again.'

Also, they went a tad (and by that I mean very) over-the-top with the whole 'killing orcs' thing. After about 30 minutes purely comprised of Orc-killing, I never wanted to see another Orc again. There are a certain number of Orcs that can be stabbed violently through the head before it stops being awesome and dramatic (which it is at first) and starts to become tedious and seem over-done.

Overall, it gave me the high levels of effects, visuality and, to a certain extent, story, that I expected. However, the over-strained effort to make it a 'second Lord of the Rings' and the over-done Orc-killing makes this, in my opinion, the weakest film of the Hobbit trilogy, which sadly does not match the majesty and brilliance to the Oscar-winning finale to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as thrilling a ride as it it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

JohnMasterLJan 4, 2015

Un final épico, cargado de acción, divertida y entretenida en todo momento, 140 minutos que los fans y no tan fans disfrutaran, El Hobbit se auto nombra como otro clásico fantástico, Bien Hecho Peter Jackson, ojala dentro de los próximos añosUn final épico, cargado de acción, divertida y entretenida en todo momento, 140 minutos que los fans y no tan fans disfrutaran, El Hobbit se auto nombra como otro clásico fantástico, Bien Hecho Peter Jackson, ojala dentro de los próximos años se animen a hacer el silmarillion y los hijos de hurin.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

BlaKDemonaZJan 3, 2015

Dentre os 6 filmes sobre as obras de Tolkien, acho que esse é um dos mais fracos, perdendo só para o anterior. A trilogia do Hobbit em si é fraca. Além do fato de ter muita coisa diferente do livro, tem muita coisa que deixa o filme semDentre os 6 filmes sobre as obras de Tolkien, acho que esse é um dos mais fracos, perdendo só para o anterior. A trilogia do Hobbit em si é fraca. Além do fato de ter muita coisa diferente do livro, tem muita coisa que deixa o filme sem noção, personagens forçados.... enfim, o filme no geral é fraco. O que realmente se salva é o final que liga perfeitamente com a grandiosa saga do Senhor dos Anéis.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

LeatherwoodJan 3, 2015

Fun movie to watch with alot of fighting and action. What more can you ask for, a good story. The story is pretty good, entertaining, and deep sort off. The transition between the Desolation of Smaug and the battle of the five armies wasFun movie to watch with alot of fighting and action. What more can you ask for, a good story. The story is pretty good, entertaining, and deep sort off. The transition between the Desolation of Smaug and the battle of the five armies was done well. My girlfriend dont even like fantasy, but she loves the hobbit. So take your girlfriend to the movies with a small popcorn, pop a hole at the bottom an enjoy.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

SkulbJan 3, 2015

To address one or two points from the other reviewers first:
1: Yes there were five armies: dwarves, humans, elves, orcs and eagles, as I think Tolkien himself explains either in The Hobbit, or quite possibly in LotR appendixes.
2: Yes theTo address one or two points from the other reviewers first:
1: Yes there were five armies: dwarves, humans, elves, orcs and eagles, as I think Tolkien himself explains either in The Hobbit, or quite possibly in LotR appendixes.
2: Yes the death of Smaug is an anti climax. It is therefore one of the most accurate adaptations of the book itself, in which the death of Smaug manages to be even more anti climactic.
3: The size of the respective armies was about right if you read Tolkien`s description of the battle. It was a much smaller affair than Dagorlad or even Helm`s Gate. And it was a hell of a lot smaller than Pelennor, and basically a skirmish by comparison. If anything the Battle of the Five Armies was too grand in the movie.
4: Tauriel is not a Tolkien character at all, but she and her absurd dwarf-elf love story have been invented and added by the deranged Fran Walsh, solely to appeal to the female demographic. It therefore doesn`t matter if she survives or what she might or might not do in the LotR story. She doesn`t exist and is the single most embarrassing thing about the Hobbit trilogy. I squirm with discomfort every single time I see her ridiculously pining face. If anything could tempt me to give these movies a low score it would be Tauriel. She is an insult to anyone who likes Tolkien.
5: The tired argument that a trilogy isn`t warranted. It`s not just The Hobbit but the prelude to LotR. One would have been a blur, two a rush and three fine. At least if it had been done right.

Apart from these confusions on behalf of other reviewers, the movie was a bit of a letdown after the previous two. Perhaps there just wasn`t a whole lot there once the dragon was dead. Whatever the case you get a bit too much orc vs architecture/humans/elves/dwarves slapstick CGI, Fran Walsh romance and for some odd reason a battle, which is supposedly the centerpiece of this movie, which has been altered in basically every single detail. To the best of my knowledge there was NO fighting of any kind inside Dale. Rather, there were supposed to be these two hills or ridges, humans holding out on one and elves on the other, and with the orcs coming down from the mountain along both ridges and in the valley between them. Instead the worms from Dune (Google it kiddies) made a surprise appearance as tunnellers for the orcs while the last parts of the battle took place on top of some CGI friendly ruin/pond I can also not remember ever hearing about before.
It`s a visually exciting but at times tedious movie which changes too many things for no reason. For instance, the master of Lake Town does not die at all in the book, but survives as Bard`s second in command. Still Jackson kills off Stephen Fry, one of the best comic assets available to him, after about ten minutes. Why? Orcs are feeble and unable to parry anything, which makes the audience start cheering for the hapless cretins instead of considering them credible threats. Every stinking time they get close to anyone with a name they go into slow motion, miss and die unceremoniously. Apart from Azog and Bolg they are all utterly useless and pathetic. They even get killed by women and children.

But most of the negatives concern small and essentially insignificant niggles with the narration and the script. The movie does so much right, both visually and audibly, is reasonably faithful to the source material, leads nicely into LotR like it was supposed to and produces some good performances by the actors, that all the 1s and 0s here are laughable. Bitter little haters out in force in time to gnaw at Peter Jackson like the maggots they are. The truth of the matter is that The Hobbit is not a particularly good book, at least not if you`re above twelve. Many of the shortcomings of the Hobbit trilogy stem from this fact, and from Tolkien`s inability or unwillingness to flesh things out with any sort of detail. Everything he ever did took a bird`s eye view of ME and was ridiculously understated. The exceptions are LotR which gets this part just right and The Hobbit, which is Bilbo`s navel gazing extravaganza for the children. If Bilbo doesn`t personally see it, it isn`t happening. And that`s why The Hobbit manages to not describe the Fall of Smaug or the Battle of the Five Armies at all. The first happens too far away from Bilbo and the second while he`s unconscious. This fact seems to be lost on the fake purists though.
So I don`t blame Jackson for imposing the LotR perspective on The Hobbit. In fact I don`t think he had any choice if he wanted to make a halfway watchable movie.
The worst part of the movie though was that the awful Orlando Bloom didn`t die this time either. I have been cheering for every orc he`s fought for six movies and have finally given up. Apparently this fart-smeller is just something you have to endure in stoic fashion if you want to watch PJ`s Middle Earth movies. I suppose it could have been worse. At least Jeff Goldblum isn`t in it.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

mustafa18182Jan 3, 2015

The Hobbit was not even close to the standards of Lord of the Rings. How could it be? The Lord of the Rings rightfully deserved a trilogy ( one movie for each book). The Hobbit was a tiny book and they turned that into 3 movies! The HobbitThe Hobbit was not even close to the standards of Lord of the Rings. How could it be? The Lord of the Rings rightfully deserved a trilogy ( one movie for each book). The Hobbit was a tiny book and they turned that into 3 movies! The Hobbit dragged and there were way too many made up scenes. The battle took up too much time in the movie and they missed out many key factors of the book.

All in all there was too much action and straying away from the main point of the book.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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4

intruder313Jan 3, 2015

The last film is the first bad LOTR/Hobbit film: just filled with so much stupidity that had me facepalming rather than enraptured.

I think the extra hour they are bound to "add" to the film for the DVD release is a must to save thisThe last film is the first bad LOTR/Hobbit film: just filled with so much stupidity that had me facepalming rather than enraptured.

I think the extra hour they are bound to "add" to the film for the DVD release is a must to save this monstrous mess and indeed there's at least 2 moments missing from the film that were shown in trailers.

PJ just did not seem to be arsed this time around, he's clearly had enough and chucked this one out without proper editing.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Compi24Jan 3, 2015

A proper sendoff to one of cinema's greatest worlds, "The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies" is rousing, well-paced, emotionally resonant, and chock-full of some truly fantastic sprawling set pieces.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

mrshoes74Jan 2, 2015

How the hell can anyone give a score of zero?!?!?!?!? Just because it was nothing like the book it gets a big fat zero. When are movies ever like the books hardly ever. I am sick and tired of idiots picking holes in movies when there isHow the hell can anyone give a score of zero?!?!?!?!? Just because it was nothing like the book it gets a big fat zero. When are movies ever like the books hardly ever. I am sick and tired of idiots picking holes in movies when there is nothing wrong with them. They are made for entertainment they are there for us to loose ourselves in. They are an experience and for me the LOTR movies are a triumph to be hold. The final part was spectacular it had everything in it. Great action set pieces terrific acting and a grand finale. To those who scored this zero you are pathetic.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

giddyupJan 1, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very disappointed with this effort. Felt like Peter Jackson sold out. He was all about the integrity of the story when he started and now, in trying to reap 3 films from 1 book, he has marred his reputation. The film is 1 big fight scene from start to finish with totally implausible physical feats liberally splashed throughout. There is also an amateurish attempt to introduce a side story with Leggolas which is underdeveloped and poorly explained, possibly the product of poor editing. If money is what now drives Jackson, then he would have made more with his next lot of films if he'd preserved his reputation with this one.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

meok91Jan 1, 2015

This film is sadly all style and little substance. While I am not a huge fan, I saw and enjoyed the first two hobbit movies, they were entertaining and well executed. This film is where the cracks began to show, there is simply not enoughThis film is sadly all style and little substance. While I am not a huge fan, I saw and enjoyed the first two hobbit movies, they were entertaining and well executed. This film is where the cracks began to show, there is simply not enough source material in one book to make these three movies, at the very most two movies would have been enough. While we do get the ending to the story it is after nearly three hours of what feels like stalling, the first fifteen minutes of the movie are the best imho. This really felt like a money making exercise to me.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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2

Bo33yJan 1, 2015

I liked the first. The second got worse. The third was abysmal. Made for Children!!

Don't watch the 4k version, or, you too, can count the blackheads on Alfred's nose, when having perfect pores with 4k. Somethings really don't need to beenI liked the first. The second got worse. The third was abysmal. Made for Children!!

Don't watch the 4k version, or, you too, can count the blackheads on Alfred's nose, when having perfect pores with 4k. Somethings really don't need to been seen on TV like the textures of a dwarf a nose. However it is all CGI anyway like Azog's contact lens, but, where did Legolas ears go?

I had hoped Thorin would have gasped "gimme back my Mirthril". Making this comedy worth it.

Curiosity how many times, did the troll stumble?… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

10

tyrannoJan 1, 2015

one of the best movies of the year and a great ending to a great saga i did love every bit of it its so great dont listen to the critics they are just a bunch of haters wo dont know what there talkin bout

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

DudeUnknownJan 1, 2015

Lacking storyline. More dull than usual. Sort of worth it. Either way, it wasn't terrible so I suppose I give it a 6. The first 2 movies were better. For the length of the movie, I'm very disappointed.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

willydubsDec 31, 2014

As a movie made to entertain, hold interest, and convey a theme, It did a pretty good job. It is an amazing wrap-up of a not-so amazing series (the first two smelled like Azog’s socks) and brings a sense of purpose and continuity (maybe notAs a movie made to entertain, hold interest, and convey a theme, It did a pretty good job. It is an amazing wrap-up of a not-so amazing series (the first two smelled like Azog’s socks) and brings a sense of purpose and continuity (maybe not continuity) where the first two movies failed to do so. It ties right into the start of Lord of the Rings with pinch of foreshadowing and an overflowing tablespoon of homages, as well emphasizing each character’s point of view as opposed to sticking with the good versus evil routine (Well, sure, Sauron’s definitely evil, but the Elvenking just seems like a bad family man to me). BE WARNED: Its not called The Battle of the Five Armies for nothing. Its not just two armies, cause there has to be five, so prepare for the orc-debowling, main-character-kicking, Dragon-killing conclusion to The Hobbit trilogy, that I’m sure the dwarves of yore will all be watching.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

JamesCannonDec 31, 2014

Simillarion! Simillarion!....5 season tv series. Told as a history of Middle Earth before the Lord of the Rings. All new actors. Five season to match the five chapters.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

JacobDec 30, 2014

When I started watching these movies I was filled with joy and glee and excitement and now I could care less. If these movies were not a big phenomenon, I would’ve never gone. This movie was a whole lot of nothing. Lots of pointless action,When I started watching these movies I was filled with joy and glee and excitement and now I could care less. If these movies were not a big phenomenon, I would’ve never gone. This movie was a whole lot of nothing. Lots of pointless action, lack of characters, and was just empty. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie that has made me feel so empty. Seriously this was just that one time I went ot the movies. This whole movie was just a let’s get this over with. I knew it was going to suck and suck. If you are reading this don’t see this movie it is waste of your time. Only see this if you have friends who are going to be talking that. If not stay away. If you aren’t a fan of these movies this one won’t change your mind. But thankfully its over and we can all move on. Congratulations Peter Jackson you are officially the next George Lucas. You created a beloved trilogy and then made a terrible prequel trilogy that we are all excited for and then were disappointed by replacing practical effects with CGI and great stories and characters with mediocre and terrible stories. I can’t wait for the abridged version.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

InspectorJDec 30, 2014

Considering that Bilbo was knocked unconscious for the Battle of the Five Armies in the book, it is questionable that they managed to pull off a 144 minute feature based off of the battle. However, the film is so action-heavy that the wholeConsidering that Bilbo was knocked unconscious for the Battle of the Five Armies in the book, it is questionable that they managed to pull off a 144 minute feature based off of the battle. However, the film is so action-heavy that the whole film feels like a climax, eventually becoming dreary and repetitive with every battle and duel.

As such, I feel Jackson should have stayed with his original intent on creating only two Hobbit movies, to avoid this very issue, but Warner Bros. always know how to milk a franchise dry.

It certainly is a good time if you like endless action, and it is certainly a treat for the eyes to see Smaug in glorious high-definition once more, but I cannot help but feel that Jackson missed an opportunity to create another masterful trilogy. Looks like the Desolation of Smaug will be the better of the three.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

Le__XenomorphDec 29, 2014

An amazing conclusion to an extremely satisfying trilogy. It has great effects, silky smooth frame-rate, great acting, and breathtaking battle scenes. The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies is an extremely satisfying conclusion to anAn amazing conclusion to an extremely satisfying trilogy. It has great effects, silky smooth frame-rate, great acting, and breathtaking battle scenes. The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies is an extremely satisfying conclusion to an overall awesome trilogy. 9/10 (Awesome)… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

ThegodfathersonDec 29, 2014

Five Armies tops the previous films in every sense, providing us with a great amount of depth into its characters and giving us spectacular battle sequences. But is it a good movie? Well, the answer is yes. This final film in the long runningFive Armies tops the previous films in every sense, providing us with a great amount of depth into its characters and giving us spectacular battle sequences. But is it a good movie? Well, the answer is yes. This final film in the long running and awesome trilogy is really a large spectacle I call it. The situations are FAR more emotional, the acting is still the same as An Unexpected Journey and Desolation Of Smaug, but what this chapter improves is that it has a better, satisfying ending because the last two ended horribly. This is total fan service and Peter Jackson steps up his game. Middle Earth just got better.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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3

spirytusDec 29, 2014

The Battle of the Five Armies takes the podium for being the longest, PG rated, CGI battle sequence in history of film.

I'm a passive fan of Tolkien's work, and enjoyed Peter Jackson's interpretation until now but the endless CGI perfectlyThe Battle of the Five Armies takes the podium for being the longest, PG rated, CGI battle sequence in history of film.

I'm a passive fan of Tolkien's work, and enjoyed Peter Jackson's interpretation until now but the endless CGI perfectly choreographed fighting scenes have taken their toll.

I can't wait until someone out there edits out all the fluff and puts together a single movie edition.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

WheelzFourReelzDec 29, 2014

There are some definite pacing issues, but The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies still has some great fun and some surprisingly emotional moments within the film. It's a great ending to a fantastic saga.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

9

AS97Dec 29, 2014

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the 3rd and final instalment in the 'Hobbit' series and it is easily the best for me. The movie does a fantastic job in concluding the 'Hobbit' series, and then leading on to the 'Lord of The Ring'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the 3rd and final instalment in the 'Hobbit' series and it is easily the best for me. The movie does a fantastic job in concluding the 'Hobbit' series, and then leading on to the 'Lord of The Ring' series. Almost all aspects of this film were excellent, the music score, the writing and the action sequences throughout the movie. All actors and actresses do a superb job in their roles. But my only real problem with the movie is that the bit with the dragon 'Smaug' felt a bit anti-climatic. Overall it's a movie that I highly recommend you all to watch and it's a great ending to one of the best trilogys in its genre.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

moslegend34Dec 29, 2014

Average. Billy Collony and Cate Blanchett were not handed big enough roles to justify their immense acting talent. While the battle scenes and CGI were of the top order, a lack of plot and an original ending hampered Jackson's finale. TheAverage. Billy Collony and Cate Blanchett were not handed big enough roles to justify their immense acting talent. While the battle scenes and CGI were of the top order, a lack of plot and an original ending hampered Jackson's finale. The film laboured through the first half before finally clicking into gear in the tunnel of gold. While I've always been draw to the Je ne sais quoi of both series, the lack of characterisation and sudden plot shifts and even the number of armies (were there really five?) took away a sizeable chunk of the magical lustre. 5.5 out of 10.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

kingabbenDec 28, 2014

Nothing like the book at all.

Looks like it was shot in a studio with overloads of CGI and green-screen. Weak characters and plot development. Battle is way too over-the-top and THREATLESS. Tauriel didn't die, so where did she goNothing like the book at all.

Looks like it was shot in a studio with overloads of CGI and green-screen.

Weak characters and plot development.

Battle is way too over-the-top and THREATLESS.

Tauriel didn't die, so where did she go after the Hobbit? Continuity mistake.

The idiotic and greedy steward of Dale ruins the whole movie with childish humor (seriously, golden cleavage? STUPID).

Overall, the last 2 movies of the trilogy were just abominations of Tolkien's beautiful work (Unexpected Journey was alright!). Half the reviewers I read have never read the book... SMH… Expand

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

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8

theofficeDec 28, 2014

Probably more of a 7.5. The movie focused almost soley on the battle sequence and while pretty good still was drawn out with basically no character development. One thing I will never understand is how such a small force can beat back oneProbably more of a 7.5. The movie focused almost soley on the battle sequence and while pretty good still was drawn out with basically no character development. One thing I will never understand is how such a small force can beat back one about 100x larger. The orcs must be the most incompetent group ever. But really I still like the movie but probably more just because of the universe and characters. Of the bunch in the 6 movie series it is the worst but still very enjoyable and better than most movies out there. Just don't get that sense of awe and wonderment that I did with some of the others.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

Doodle02Dec 28, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the most disappointing movies I've ever seen. Smaug is dead almost as soon as the movie's started, and the rest is just Hollywood blockbuster style hero porn.

If you've read the book(s), enjoyed the original trilogy, or respect Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth, at all, don't watch this movie: It's a pathetic waste of time.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

AndImJavertDec 27, 2014

Well, we're sadly at the end of another journey into our beloved Middle Earth. While the Hobbit trilogy is obviously not as grand or great as the Lord of the Rings films were, I think they get far more hate than they deserve. I loved AnWell, we're sadly at the end of another journey into our beloved Middle Earth. While the Hobbit trilogy is obviously not as grand or great as the Lord of the Rings films were, I think they get far more hate than they deserve. I loved An Unexpected Journey, had quite a few problems with Desolation of Smaug, and went into Battle of the Five Armies with both absurd amounts of hype and doubt. Let me start of by saying that Battle of the Five Armies is definitely worth your time and money and you should go see it as soon as possible.

After the disappointment of Desolation, I went into BOTFA expecting it to be one long visually exhausting CGI filled action scene with characters that didn't have enough development or emphasis. I was partly correct. If you like action scenes then this is the movie for you. Once the battle gets started, it stops for nothing. My problem with all of this however, is that it was hard to get invested in the majority of the battles. I was seeing all of this carnage and action, but it all felt boring. A lot of the action was between people we don't know or care about. Obviously we're routing for the Elves/Dwarves/Men but when they're just a bunch of iffy looking CGI characters that we haven't met, it's hard to invest yourself in the battles. I'll take Aragorn struggling to take down Lurtz any day of the week over the vastest green screen battle that could be created on a computer. Sometimes, less is a hell of a lot more.

That being said, the action scenes with characters that we've met and care for, are simply amazing. Most of us have read the book, but even still it's difficult to not feel tension when Bard hops across rooftops to avoid Smaug's fiery breath. It's hard to not hope against all odds that a certain three Dwarves won't meet their deaths in battle. It's just my personal preference, but I prefer action that is rooted in characters. I'm not a huge fan of action for the sake of action. That's the great thing about BOTFA though, it has plenty of both and it is sure to please people on both sides of the spectrum.

Strangely enough, the strongest aspects of BOTFA are the moments that I thought would be done the worst. The characters. The main reason I loved An Unexpected Journey was because of all the little moments with the characters. When the characters, especially Bilbo, took a backseat to let the CGI action take over in Desolation of Smaug, I was concerned about how BOTFA would turn out. To put it bluntly, I could not have been more wrong. The performances in Battle of the Five Armies are the strongest in the entire trilogy. Martin Freeman is wonderful as Bilbo as per usual, I only wish we got to see more of him. Richard Armitage, the actor who plays Thorin Oakenshield, deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance in this. To restate it, BOTFA appeals to not only the action lovers but the character lovers as well.

At this point we should all realize what the Hobbit movies really are. They're well intentioned Middle Earth adventure movies that really only want to make us smile. They're not malicious, lazy cash grabs like the Star Wars prequels, which for some reason people love to compare the Hobbit movies to. The Hobbit trilogy wasn't made for the sole purpose of making money, they were made to tell a story, even if the story got a bit too bloated and heavy for it's own good. They were made so that we could all revisit the beautiful land of Middle Earth one last time. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Although it's not perfect, Battle of the Five Armies is a well crafted, emotionally wrenching, action filled ending to a slightly flawed but still excellent trilogy.

Pros:
- Excellent performances
- Emotionally involving
- Sense of payoff
- Fan service (Hey it's not a bad thing, okay.)
- Tied in well to Lord of the Rings

Cons:
- Visually exhausting and cluttered battles
- Some moments of very noticeable/bad CGI
- Lack of Martin Freeman… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Bruce722Dec 27, 2014

Unfortunately each successive installment of this Hobbit trilogy not only failed to build on the previous film but actually left even more to be desired. Yes, this is the film where the resolution finally comes to fruition. Yes, they did aUnfortunately each successive installment of this Hobbit trilogy not only failed to build on the previous film but actually left even more to be desired. Yes, this is the film where the resolution finally comes to fruition. Yes, they did a fantastic job connecting this trilogy to the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy through this film. Yes, the action sequences, the special effects, and the acting were all top notch. But I can't help but feel like this movie just missed in a few key areas. The characters, for example, feel less authentic than in the previous films and, being that this is the movie where a lot of death and tragedy occurs, you're not connected or attached to them because of that. It also didn't have that key character who carries the movie. While Bilbo was this trilogies Frodo and they carry the narrative, neither actually carried the film through the action. In the LOTR films, Aragorn and Legolas did that. The problem with this trilogy is that Thorin is no Aragorn and Legolas isn't featured enough to compensate for that. You end up with Dwarves without sufficient development and essentially faceless elves and humans and none of it connects to the viewer on an emotional level. I also thought they didn't develop certain characters enough in this trilogy. I'm sorry but you shouldn't have to read the book or the expanded lore in order to appreciate a movie. Peter Jackson should've done a better job there. That being said, I think this movie, when marathoned with the previous installments, will resonate better. I just don't think it stood alone enough to live up to the epic standard already established in the universe.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Splinter129Dec 27, 2014

An epic, sad, and fitting final chapter to the trilogy! Lots of people, especially critics, have missed the big picture of the movie especially the franchise. I have been a fan of Middle-Earth since LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, and inAn epic, sad, and fitting final chapter to the trilogy! Lots of people, especially critics, have missed the big picture of the movie especially the franchise. I have been a fan of Middle-Earth since LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, and in 2012, seeing the first Hobbit movie, I was full of excitement and was thrilled. The second one had more tension build and was just a bowl of fun to watch with a terrifying ending knowing that Smaug has went in full rage mode, wondering what exactly is going to happen; and the third one just left us with a jaw dropping and battle- raging conclusion to the triology, and connects well with The Fellowship of the Ring. Sure there was not much of a huge plot in this final film, but have you read the last few chapters of The Hobbit book that the movie is based of from? Its nothing but a battle and a goodbye from Bilbo returning back to the Shire, just as the movie shows. Now my true rating to the movie is a 8.5/10, as there were some flaws in the film itself like the love scenes with Kili and Tauriel, even though it could of been worse (a better love story than Twilight no doubt), and there is not that much closure to the ending of the film. I think critics have been too harsh on the film that I have to bump the film's rating up to a 10. But the Extended Edition could very much likely make the movie itself better, just as the Extended Edition for The Return of the King did. Overall, I love the Hobbit trilogy, despite the flaws, will still prefer the LOTR trilogy, but it is a fitting prequel, and should NOT be compared to the Star Wars prequels.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

GuyWhoReviewsDec 26, 2014

Over-hyped, overrated and disappointing. The third and final installment in the Hobbit trilogy is disappointing for LOTR fans who have seen all the movies and read all the books. It's obvious proof that the Hobbit movies were dragged out wayOver-hyped, overrated and disappointing. The third and final installment in the Hobbit trilogy is disappointing for LOTR fans who have seen all the movies and read all the books. It's obvious proof that the Hobbit movies were dragged out way too much. I could understand two movies, but having a third movie was clearly to make more money and ended up ruining the experience. As much as I loved the book, this movie fails to maintain anything close in quality to the book. The acting is fine, but the movie itself is just a failure to the book. The fight scenes are far too long and are way too convenient. The important characters can literally fight off hundreds of orcs in hand to hand combat until the plot demands otherwise. The story is too slow and the fighting is too extensive. As much as I hate to say it, this hobbit movie is disappointing. Read the book or if you're a die hard fan watch it, but don't expect much.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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7

Thestew4088Dec 26, 2014

The Hobbit is a fitting end to the Middle earth legend. Great battle scenes made the movie. Like most people, I think the The hobbit should've been two movies, but Peter Jackson has made the last visit to Middle Earth an enjoyable one.

TheThe Hobbit is a fitting end to the Middle earth legend. Great battle scenes made the movie. Like most people, I think the The hobbit should've been two movies, but Peter Jackson has made the last visit to Middle Earth an enjoyable one.

The CGI was so bad that I thought that i was watching a Video Game walkthrough at some stages. Nevertheless, Peter Jackson has brought a great middle earth based movie and, in my opinion, he hasn't dissapointed.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

mariojmartinDec 26, 2014

When I read Tolkien books, It is so rich in details, customs, mythology, and deep characters that feels that you are inside. The movie presents superficial characters, cartooned overused action, childhood dialogues, unrealistic battles andWhen I read Tolkien books, It is so rich in details, customs, mythology, and deep characters that feels that you are inside. The movie presents superficial characters, cartooned overused action, childhood dialogues, unrealistic battles and unnecessary evil too evil to be credible, makes the movie BOORING! A 10 to the scenography, the rest is rubbish. This is another example of a movie that expends too much in CGI and nothing to good writers.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

mikhailduongDec 26, 2014

Another masterpiece of Peter Jackson ! Awesome epic CGI. Although this episode has too much fight but it did its part of The Hobbit trilogies. A great novel & a great film that everyone should read & watch in their life.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

runnerDec 25, 2014

This is basically a good film, it is very impressive and done very well. And I guess I could say it's fun to watch.

This third part, though, shows how unnecessary it was to split this one single book into three (!) parts, each taking aboutThis is basically a good film, it is very impressive and done very well. And I guess I could say it's fun to watch.

This third part, though, shows how unnecessary it was to split this one single book into three (!) parts, each taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

The Battle of the Five Armies hasn't got much story in it, as it is mostly told on the first two parts of the trilogy, and here we come to the grand finale, where, well, most of the characters mainly fight. And fight. And fight. And fight. And fight.

There were some moving moments, and some light moments, which is good, but still - most of the time I've seen only violence on the screen. There was simply not much else to show, because, as I said, there's not much of the story left to tell..
But how would we make a trilogy with each title lasting alone almost 3 hours?
Of course, let's stretch those battles on and on!

Well, that didn't work that well in my opinion folks.

And yes, technically this is still a good movie. Still, I'm really glad this is over, as making three parts for The Hobbit felt like it's going to be mainly a slight torture to my wallet and not a fully enjoyable experience.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

BaconConoisseurDec 24, 2014

The parts of the book that were actually included in the movie were done somewhat decently. However many of the added stories weren't very well written. Bard using his son as a component of his bow to kill Smaug was insulting to theThe parts of the book that were actually included in the movie were done somewhat decently. However many of the added stories weren't very well written. Bard using his son as a component of his bow to kill Smaug was insulting to the excellently done dragon. The conversation between Legolas and his father was very cringe worthy and nothing looked more awkward than Galadriel carrying Gandalfs unconscious body. The Hobbit is also not supposed to heavily tie into Lord of the Rings. They are two very different tones that clash uncomfortably.

I encourage the use of CGI in special effects but it needs to be done correctly. Including practical effects gives your CGI artists something with real light and texture to work off of. That could have helped because a lot of this movies CGI looked like it needed work or they ran out of money.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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1

El_TudorDec 24, 2014

It's gonna be a short review. Not only because English isn't my native language, but because the Hobbit trilogy wasted enough of our time already.
This 3d episode is the worst of the trilogy, and one of the worst movie of this decade. WeIt's gonna be a short review. Not only because English isn't my native language, but because the Hobbit trilogy wasted enough of our time already.
This 3d episode is the worst of the trilogy, and one of the worst movie of this decade. We have bad battle scenes, way too much 3D and CGI effects, ridiculous characters, ridiculous comedy/romantic storylines. Thorin is a failure. We don't understand what is at stake with the arkenstone at all, Jackson only try to copy/paste the Ring effect, regardless the true story of the King under the Mountain.

This movie is empty, ad should have been the theaters.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

slumboodiDec 24, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The final entry to "The Hobbit" will leave you flabbergasted. The utterly incredulous "Trilogy" has finally hit rock bottom. Lines of actual dialogue are so few and far between that one can forget that the garbage in front of you is in fact a film, not a computer game. The characters are woefully underdeveloped as a result, and it is impossible to sympathise or care about almost anyone. The initial bit with Smaug was ok until he went all monologue **** on us and started the cliché "bad guy talks to much before he gets undone by a seemingly impossible feat" scenario.

As I've hinted, my biggest problem with this film is the absurd special effects. There is so much going on, and the shots so short - you barely have time to understand what the **** is happening. The aerial shots overlooking the battlefield are done so from such a distance, it is near impossible to tell what any army is doing beyond the first 3 minutes of fighting. Everything down to the loading of arrows, dwarf shield walls, Orc charges, or anything else in the battle worth mentioning is done with a computer.
I'd have really enjoyed actual people forming up a Dwarven shield wall, or loosing a volley of arrows, but it was not to be...

The "journey" that Thorin Oakenshield coming back from near insanity took approximately 3 days of my life in energy to care. The sequence when he comes back from the brink of insanity (walking around on the gold floor yada yada yada) is about 180 seconds of close shots of his glowing face, followed by a huge spanning shot of the room he is in. I chose this moment to use the toilet, and believe it or not, he was still ****ing around there when I came back.

I can't remember if this character was in the book, its been so long, but lets take a moment to talk about "Alfrid" played by Ryan Gage". Scratch that, I went and looked it up. He is an unnamed, barely mentioned character in the books. So why in ****s sake are we subjected to one of the biggest **** in film history? There is just no reason for him to be such an utter **** His plot within the film is totally inconsequential, ending with him running off dressed as a woman with boobs of gold. No I'm not kidding. His purpose, as far as I can gather, is to fill 15+ minutes of dialogue mainly showing just how much of a **** he is.

My final rant, because I just can't bring myself to remember and write about more of this diabolical film, is of course about a particular character. I saved the best till last..... in a sense.

Orlando Bloom. I think you are great. You are a funny guy and obviously switched on. Great in Pirates of The Caribbean, smashing in LOTR trilogy, and I especially enjoyed your performance in Extras (Ricky Gervais). With that in mind then...

What the **** was Peter Jackson thinking? Ok, I get that you have to option to include Legolas, seeing as he would have been around, but like... What the **** was he doing?
During this one film Legolas managed to:

- Fly on a bat thing up into some ruins.
- Drop 30m onto a troll then "Ratatouille" style 'drive' the troll (substituting hair for knives in the trolls shoulders)
- Defy the laws of physics on several occasions
- Slow motion run up a flight of stairs...........that are falling. Anyone with a braincell can work out why that is ****ing ridiculous, and that's saying something seeing as we are in a world riddled with magic.

So my main point here is, there is such a fantastic array of things that you could have done within the realms of the world you are bringing to cinema. Indeed, Peter Jackson has the ability to access one of the most interesting, descriptive and magical worlds ever written about. Why did you have to include such utter **** alongside it?

Other gripes include, but are not limited to:

- The endless fight scene between Thorin and Azog. I naively thought it was a really cool way to end the fight, by Thorin simply stepping off the precarious ice shard they were both balanced on. Only to have my enthusiasm crushed when his stupid ****ing face showed up under the ice... and cliché "bad guys eyes open again when you think he's dead"

- The **** with Legolas being told to go find "strider". At the time of that conversation, Aragon was 10 years old, and where did Aragon grow up? ****ing Rivendell. Thanks for the nostalgic **** Peter.

- Finally, towards the end of the film... which may seem to take months, Gandalf makes a quip to Bilbo about his knowledge of the ring? So why would he wait 60ish years to rush off to Minas Tirith to read old scrolls documenting the ring? The answer is... he doesn't. He doesn't know about the ring until he sees Bilbo vanish completely on his 111th Birthday.

Today I paid £8 to let Peter Jackson **** in my eyes and ears. I shan't make that mistake again.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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10

DavidWardenDec 24, 2014

I'm a Hobbit 10/10 .

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

BillEffinMurrayDec 23, 2014

I rather enjoyed it. A little too much CGI for my tastes, but I definitely had fun seeing the movie and would watch it again. Don't look too much into the people giving it a 10 or a 0 for a score. Trust me.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

banjohorseDec 23, 2014

I've been reading these reviews and I don't think they do it justice. I wasn't sure to give this film a 10, a 0 or a 5 because: this movie is so bad, it may be the best bad film I've ever seen. Scene after scene I was gripping my jeans,I've been reading these reviews and I don't think they do it justice. I wasn't sure to give this film a 10, a 0 or a 5 because: this movie is so bad, it may be the best bad film I've ever seen. Scene after scene I was gripping my jeans, stifling laughter in a struggle not to upset my fellow movie goers. There are so many horribly ridiculous scenes that you are not treating this movie right if you take it seriously. Anyway who claims it's good legitimately hasn't seen a good movie. Anyway who claims it is bad should've noticed the red flags in the first two films. Step aside The Room, you've been beat.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

Go_LogicDec 23, 2014

A spectacular ending to a brilliant saga. The dragon is destroyed and the battle of the five armies commences.

It differs in textual origin from other pieces in the trilogy and eventually ends up winding down the clock, but with suchA spectacular ending to a brilliant saga. The dragon is destroyed and the battle of the five armies commences.

It differs in textual origin from other pieces in the trilogy and eventually ends up winding down the clock, but with such ferocity that it barely goes unnoticed. But I gave it an 8; It being produced by Peter Jackson, and we all know how much work he has put into this masterpiece.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

KoshkDec 23, 2014

Best Movie of the year!!!!
This is an epic ending to the Hobbit saga. It stays true to the book and makes you want to watch the whole Lord of The Rings Trilogy all over again. The effects were really great and made me want to go to MiddleBest Movie of the year!!!!
This is an epic ending to the Hobbit saga. It stays true to the book and makes you want to watch the whole Lord of The Rings Trilogy all over again. The effects were really great and made me want to go to Middle Earth myself. All the Hobbit movies were great. From Bilbo finding the One Ring to Smaug getting shot by Bard and flying dead into Lake Town. The amazing story of the Hobbit has been brought to life by Peter Jackson in an Amazing way.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

CPD98Dec 23, 2014

Aunque en los primeros 40 minutos hay palabrería que me sobra, el resto ofrece un buen espectáculo para cerrar de una vez las sagas de Tolkien. La saga de los anillos podría haber ido un poco mas al grano como a hecho el Hobbit, personalmenteAunque en los primeros 40 minutos hay palabrería que me sobra, el resto ofrece un buen espectáculo para cerrar de una vez las sagas de Tolkien. La saga de los anillos podría haber ido un poco mas al grano como a hecho el Hobbit, personalmente no me habría importado.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

CedarsAveDec 23, 2014

It wasn't bad. The battles (battle?) were (was?) pretty impressive, and the characters weren't devoid of emotion. In short, the film wasn't soulless, but that isn't saying much. The film's main problem comes from its conception, the fact thatIt wasn't bad. The battles (battle?) were (was?) pretty impressive, and the characters weren't devoid of emotion. In short, the film wasn't soulless, but that isn't saying much. The film's main problem comes from its conception, the fact that it's based on the third act of a single novel. That makes this film, in effect, just one big third act stretched into two and a half hours. So it starts with finale-style action (Smaug dying) and continues with it right through to the end. Because of its source material, it can't really have a beginning, middle and end; that's what the first two parts of the trilogy are. The Lord of the Rings was based on three books with their own three acts, each part of a greater story arc; Peter Jackson has his greater story arc with the Hobbit, but that's just the plot to the book. Each individual film doesn't really have its own individual story, and that really tells in the Battle of Five Armies. It feels like the end of a film and not a film in itself. That said, it doesn't do too badly at concluding Middle-earth. It's no classic, but it's still worth seeing, if just to get a sense of closure with Tolkien's universe.… Expand

12 of 16 users found this helpful124

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7

xTobyMcDec 23, 2014

I was surprisingly disappointed with this movie, it didn't live up to expectation. The movies now rely so heavily on animation/CGI that the realism is stripped away. I felt like Lord of the Rings (made over 10 years ago) had better visualI was surprisingly disappointed with this movie, it didn't live up to expectation. The movies now rely so heavily on animation/CGI that the realism is stripped away. I felt like Lord of the Rings (made over 10 years ago) had better visual appearance, the use of animated characters and scenery made this far to 'cartoony' for my liking. Of course The Hobbit isn't as brutal as Lord of the Rings, but I still feel it could have been a bit darker at times. This was like watching an action movie for 12 year olds, and of course people will disagree, but that's just my view of it.

The other thing that frustrated me was the cheesy behaviour of some characters. The dragon scene for example was pathetic, they made such a deal out of the dragon in the second movie, yet when he finally rises to the occasion he's completely underwhelming. For spoilers sake I cannot explain the particular scenes in detail, but you'll realise after watching it that some of the decisions and actions characters take lack so much common sense.

Overall the movie was satisfying, but nothing more. It really was the emphasis on CGI which ruined it for me as it wasn't even done to a good standard. Scenery looked unrealistic at times and enemies didn't feel real on the screen.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

vikesh2206Dec 23, 2014

While events in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies feel stretched out, this final chapter of the Middle Earth saga closes with a grim tone and suitably epic battle sequences.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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0

Larry1Dec 22, 2014

This movie is an example of how to destroy a classic piece of fantasy writing and turn it to the mindless mentality of a video game. The director/writers decided to make one book into a trilogy, and therefore had to fill the time with cheapThis movie is an example of how to destroy a classic piece of fantasy writing and turn it to the mindless mentality of a video game. The director/writers decided to make one book into a trilogy, and therefore had to fill the time with cheap commercial tricks.… Expand

8 of 22 users found this helpful814

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4

dc127Dec 22, 2014

I remember reading the Hobbit when I was a kid. I love the wonder and sense of adventure the book contained. This sense carried over to the Animated Hobbit film that I still love to this day. Watching these three movies has been more of aI remember reading the Hobbit when I was a kid. I love the wonder and sense of adventure the book contained. This sense carried over to the Animated Hobbit film that I still love to this day. Watching these three movies has been more of a chore than anything else. I entered the first movie with such hope. Instead of joy I just keep hitting scenes thinking "oh wow how can he screw up this time." This feeling extended to the final film. I don't need Thorin facing off in a duel on an icy river. I don't need an interracial love triangle with elves and dwarves. Smaug was great, but that was about it. It is sad that what could have been turned into these three drawn out stories with bad CG, horrible plot added in, and slop shod directing. I will be reading the Hobbit again over Christmas to wash the bad taste out of my mouth.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

analogkid280Dec 22, 2014

Overall a good movie but wow what a letdown. The first battle you encounter is so full of amazing effects and awesome sound you think this movie is going to be the best trip to middle earth ever made. Once you reach the end though you areOverall a good movie but wow what a letdown. The first battle you encounter is so full of amazing effects and awesome sound you think this movie is going to be the best trip to middle earth ever made. Once you reach the end though you are somewhat surprised how mediocre this last vision has been. A word of warning this movie is certainly a final chapter and you must see the other films to have a grip on what is going on. The Bilbo Baggins character is so spot on with his dismissive personality.He does make it more bearable while you try to figure out which orc is which and why I should care. I also loved the ending of this movie and it is great to end on a good note for such a great series. I made the mistake of seeing this in High Frame Rate and I say it ruins all the effects and make a lot of scenes look like you are watching a Land of the Lost episode from 1979. Stay away from HFR and do not put on the ring.....… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

SimpleReviewzDec 22, 2014

Here we are. The end of the Hobbit trilogy, including the entire Middle-Earth saga. Sure, there's probably going to be a reboot or something like that in the future for this franchise, but I doubt it will reach the same highs that PeterHere we are. The end of the Hobbit trilogy, including the entire Middle-Earth saga. Sure, there's probably going to be a reboot or something like that in the future for this franchise, but I doubt it will reach the same highs that Peter Jackson's movies have reached. The Hobbit movies of course don't have the same legendary reputation of the Lord of the Rings films, but they've been a fun ride. Does The Battle of the Five Armies go out with a bang? YES. You have to expect this movie is going to have A LOT of action from the title, and it indeed does. These five armies are all battling each other out for the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. It feels very much like The Return of the King with the legendary battle sequences here, and Peter Jackson once again proves that he is so, so good at directing action. Yes, CG (or CGI) is used here more than any other Middle-Earth film, but for the most part, I appreciated it. Needless to say, I had a blast with the action here and the set pieces. Martin Freeman and Richard Armitage were great and had very good character moments and chemistry. I do wish Ian McKellen had more to do here, though (not a flaw). Legolas has always been one of my favorite characters (if not my one favorite) in the Middle-Earth saga and he's just as awesome here. However, the drama here falls flat at times. Plus, some of the characters' deaths don't have as much punch as they should. I saw it in IMAX, and the movie is one of the greatest IMAX experiences of the year, if not the best. I highly, HIGHLY recommend seeing this movie in that format. The Hobbit The Battle of Five Armies is a fitting end to the Hobbit trilogy and Middle-Earth movies as a whole. Now, as a special feature, I will rank all the Middle-Earth films based on my own opinion. #6 Desolation of Smaug (this movie is around a 6 or 7 for me), #5 An Unexpected Journey (8), #4 The Battle of the Five Armies (8), #3 The Fellowship of the Ring (9), #2 The Return of the King (9.4), #1 The Two Towers (9.7) . It is worth mentioning that I'm kinda on the fence about what to rate THIS movie, but for now, it'll be an 8, but it may be changed to a 7. This movie is the best of the Hobbit trilogy.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

jourawskyDec 22, 2014

The hobbit, the unsuspected flop. Yes, i was very exited for this movie, but after I have seen, I've changed my feel with this type of movie. Ignorance and without atmosphere. Sometimes I've thought that movie is more marvel or twilight thanThe hobbit, the unsuspected flop. Yes, i was very exited for this movie, but after I have seen, I've changed my feel with this type of movie. Ignorance and without atmosphere. Sometimes I've thought that movie is more marvel or twilight than The lord of the rings. I'm disappointed.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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3

LaraRDec 21, 2014

To me, it was just a series of battles, one after the other. The love scenes were painful to watch since it felt forced. The plot was predictable, futile and monotonous.This "grand" finale does not do any justice to LOTR and practicallyTo me, it was just a series of battles, one after the other. The love scenes were painful to watch since it felt forced. The plot was predictable, futile and monotonous.This "grand" finale does not do any justice to LOTR and practically recycled the same elements from it.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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7

quincytheodoreDec 21, 2014

It may not rise to legendary prestige, but it is a fitting, and quite spectacular end to the trilogy. Like the prequel, The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is rather long, some scenes are deliberately prolonged to buff the movie's length.It may not rise to legendary prestige, but it is a fitting, and quite spectacular end to the trilogy. Like the prequel, The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is rather long, some scenes are deliberately prolonged to buff the movie's length. However, it does so with crisper action sequences and slightly faster pace. There are many characters in play, each taking turns for their moments in spotlight. They are not the fellowship, yet they mash together sufficiently well to ensure a dynamic cast. With good choreograph and special effect, even though it's longer than it needs be, the movie will still entertain till the end.

Story revolves around a recently dragon plagued mountain, the valuable gold residing there and its strategic position attract many armies to fight for its claim, hence the title. It gives some intricacy and politic maneuvering for the backdrop, none too overly complicated and they push the plot nicely. The movie switches attention neatly between Ian McKellen, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom and Martin Freeman, all capable of leading a movie on their own. The prequels often had a character running in circle, thus wasting ten to fifteen minutes. Fortunately, this one divides the scenes with more focus, while it doesn't solve the plodding pace entirely, it ensures smoother transition between characters and their respective battles.

Visual is splendidly done. Both the large scale shots as well as the skirmishes have fluid motion to them. The orcs look pretty humanoid, the slimy giants are convincing as they nudge bricks and stones in their path. Some scenes do look digitized, but considering the height difference and intricate details involved, the movie does a good job of portraying the mythical battle. It doesn't rely too much on CG for closer combat, one of the better aspects it has over the predecessors is the scale of combat differs and it simply has more. Choreograph for these scuffle look good since it mixes CG and real stunt efficiently, it also utilizes 3D effect better.

The main issue is the same persisting one, it's too thin a script to divvy into two and half hour movie. There's bound to be some padding here and there, like how Thorin wallows in the mountain or shenanigans of some comedic relief, although it's not as bad as forty five minute soiree on Bilbo's house or needless hide-and-seek with Smaug. It fortifies the playtime with incredible feat of acrobat or destruction, few of them are quiet the reminiscence of Lord of the Ring. As half of the it consists of heated battle, it manages to not be dangerously tedious.

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies can be faulted for not delivering what it's promised on the title. It certainly could trim some of its unnecessary dawdling, yet it delivers a marvelous enough last act for The Hobbit trilogy.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

Maximus895Dec 21, 2014

Watching the final chapter of The Hobbit trilogy doesn't feel like an experience you engage with out of anticipation, excitement, or wonder. It's one you do out of obligation. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, despite their own warts andWatching the final chapter of The Hobbit trilogy doesn't feel like an experience you engage with out of anticipation, excitement, or wonder. It's one you do out of obligation. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, despite their own warts and occasionally misguided narrative decisions, are perhaps some of the most influential and emotionally engaging fantasy epics to ever be put on-screen. The hurdles jumped through to put J.R.R. Tolkein's trilogy on screen is one of the most amazing feats of creativity and ingenuity in cinematic history. But Peter Jackson, whether in frustration or in delusion, has somehow managed to completely lose course of what made those films resonate.

What we're left with is an effort to take a generally light-hearted adventure tale, and to make it an enormous, emotional spectacle filled with characters who we are told to care about because... well, we are told to care about them. For all its thousands of on-screen characters engaging in thunderous action, and the dramatic soundtrack trying to emphasize each moment as a tragic and important, very little of it comes to mean anything. The film's final action scene more or less encompasses half the movie, but unlike any of the Lord of the Rings movies, the narrative of these battles never feels clear.

The film is not without its talent. The talented cast aren't given much, but Richard Armitage's Thorin and Martin Freeman's Bilbo both manage to have atleast a handful of moments that resonate with one another and form a somewhat human core to this final act, even if it never felt as powerful as that of Frodo and Sam. The rest of the cast reads their lines well and with intent, but as with the trilogy as a whole, it all ultimately feels fake and contrived. The romance between the elf Tauriel and the dwarf Kili, and element that never existed in the books, never feels real or something we as an audience are meant to attach too. Like the actors on countless green-screen sets talking to elevated tennis balls, we are told to believe that we are staring at something real and to respond accordingly, but we just know it's a lie. Instead it just reads hollow.

As with all of Jackson's Middle-Earth films, the artistry behind the world creates some striking vistas and beautiful ornate armor and creatures. However, it still continues to be a shame that we lose so much of the tangibility in the director's increased reliance on CG instead of the beautiful (and sometimes terrifying) work created by the practical effects artists in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Moment to moment, it becomes harder to believe what any of what you're seeing is real. Billy Connolly's own character was entirely replaced by a CG representation, which tragically illustrates the lengths to which he'll allow the work of his actors and artists be replaced by hollow animated puppets.

In the beautifully put-together and extensive behind-the-scenes documentaries in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, there is an exceptionally poignant moment when Peter Jackson is directing the final shot with Frodo, played by Elijah Wood. Jackson, trying to fight off his tears, struggling to say "cut" and finally end the filming, and instead continues to ask Wood to try the scene again. Once he finally accepts the reality that his time with his cast is over, he embraces Wood and thanks him as the two shed tears together, ending their incredible once-in-a-lifetime journey with one another. It is a heart-breaking moment for both the crew, as well as we as the audience. I can't help but wonder what Jackson's attitude was when filming the final shot of these films. Was it the same challenge to let go? Was it exhaustion? Whatever it was, I'm sure he could add some CG tears later to make us believe it's supposed to be a sad moment.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

launchpad2132Dec 21, 2014

Allthough not as good as any LOTR movies, it had its moments. It also had its dull ones. There were times I felt Like it was a ten at times and a four at others. Thats why seven seems fair. I just felt like between the lack of effort put in,Allthough not as good as any LOTR movies, it had its moments. It also had its dull ones. There were times I felt Like it was a ten at times and a four at others. Thats why seven seems fair. I just felt like between the lack of effort put in, and the fact that threw 80% of the movie I wish it would have been just one movie. All in all though, this part of the book was so good, that even though the movie couldn't have been worse, the plot was still so epic it was worth seeing it.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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0

TomHugDec 21, 2014

A preposterous blur of incoherent fight scenes, obscenely improbable and unnecessary plot "enhancements" and re-characterisations of already strong and appropriately-constituted characters.

The only time I wasn't bored during this movieA preposterous blur of incoherent fight scenes, obscenely improbable and unnecessary plot "enhancements" and re-characterisations of already strong and appropriately-constituted characters.

The only time I wasn't bored during this movie was when I was outraged at the stupid "embellishments" being foisted upon us.

I don't personally believe that the director needs to adhere word for word to the books. In fact, Mr. Jackson did such a fine job with the LOTR Trilogy, he's proved he can make excellent artistic edits for cinema. The Hobbit Trilogy has been infected by Hollywood. What a waste.… Expand

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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0

SH1Dec 21, 2014

The battles where predictable, and I cannot say that I cared about them. This movie contained too much deus ex machina for my taste. I saw no new interesting art work in the film apart from the other films. I can only conclude that theyThe battles where predictable, and I cannot say that I cared about them. This movie contained too much deus ex machina for my taste. I saw no new interesting art work in the film apart from the other films. I can only conclude that they re-used assets (ie. 3D models, sounds etc.) from previous films to cut cost as much as possible.… Expand

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

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