The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

7

CaestusApr 21, 2014

Although not bad, i dont get rid of the feeling that peter jackson and co. don´t do the Hobbit movies with the same love and detail like they did the Lord of the Ring Trilogy. This said, Desolation of smaug is not a bad movie

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8

kevtheobaldDec 23, 2013

For fans of the series, this a great movie if you not obsessed with the book. I have never read the book, but a common theme among those who are avid readers of the book is mixed reviews at best. If you like fantasy movies, this should be aFor fans of the series, this a great movie if you not obsessed with the book. I have never read the book, but a common theme among those who are avid readers of the book is mixed reviews at best. If you like fantasy movies, this should be a great one for you to see. If you love action movies, you will likely still enjoy this. Some of the action looks very cartoon like, but should not be a total surprise considering the type of movie it is.

Covering the basics, the acting on average is fine, the pace of the film is much improved over the previous one, the script is fine, special effects were in general very good, and since I saw it in 2D, I have no idea if the 3D is worth the extra money.… Expand

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7

DukeJonDec 18, 2013

Mixed feelings about this film. A lot more action-orientated than the first, with our heroes lurching from one set piece to the next, though my main problem was that they suspended disbelief too much again as they did with the first film. TheMixed feelings about this film. A lot more action-orientated than the first, with our heroes lurching from one set piece to the next, though my main problem was that they suspended disbelief too much again as they did with the first film. The heroes seem indestructible and cut through the bad guys like they're ploughing through a load of indispensable grunts in a video-game. The combat has am unreal balletic nature to it and as such we never really get a sense that the heroes are in any danger. It's pretty far removed from the book, other than a few key scenes, and the whole thing seems laboured and drawn out as though making a short childrens book into 3 epic films wasn't stretching it enough. The love triangle is also a bit odd the she-elf seems to change her whole life for no reason other than the fact that she met fancied a bit of dwarf-rough. Stephen Fry is there for no reason other to let audiences point to him and say "Look, there's Stephen Fry!". However the pacing is better than the first film (no infamous "dwarves doing the washing up" scenes to pad it out) and although the film is a bit of a marathon to sit down to I was never really bored. So bottom line is that if you enjoyed LOTR or the first hobbit film you are sure to enjoy this.… Expand

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8

rafa14Dec 21, 2013

So I read this book and the movie had some differences that is necessary to have, because the book was wrote for kids so there isn´t anything very excited in the book so Peter Jackson had to do some alterations, but I can't denied that thereSo I read this book and the movie had some differences that is necessary to have, because the book was wrote for kids so there isn´t anything very excited in the book so Peter Jackson had to do some alterations, but I can't denied that there are somethings that I didn't like it, for example the part that a Elf start to feel something more for Killi, but almost everything worked out perfectly, the actors were great and I couldn't make this review without saying how Peter Jackson was audacious to make the movie again in 48 frames per second so this is very good. The story is very rich and ambitious, in the end of the film let everybody anxious to watch the last part of the movie and the song choice "I see fire" was perfectly right. This movie was way better than the first one and also one of the best movie of 2013… Expand

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8

grandpajoe6191Aug 27, 2015

"The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug" follows on through the first Hobbit film with its creativity, intelligence, and visuals as the movie continues on Peter Jackson and the audience's journey towards reclaiming the home of the Dwarfs from"The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug" follows on through the first Hobbit film with its creativity, intelligence, and visuals as the movie continues on Peter Jackson and the audience's journey towards reclaiming the home of the Dwarfs from the evil Smaug.… Expand

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10

DocTJan 2, 2014

Great just great! After almost 3 hours this movie has you wanting to see more. I could have sat through another 3 hours easily. Can't wait for the next!

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7

lasttimeisawFeb 27, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coming to cinema two months later in Mainland China, the second chapter of THE HOBBIT TRILOGY is poised to prevail the box office in a rather lethargic period after the red-hot Chinese Spring Fe festival.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (2012, 6/10) is a relentless roller-coaster ride with a slew of visual stunts to propel a succinct plot, which doesn’t live up to the expectation of THE LORD OF THE RINGS’ Middle Earth triumphant standing, also Peter Jackson’s innovative shooting technology has received with some resistance and negative feedbacks. The second round, a 3D version is all we have in China, the palette is light-toned, the textual sharpness hasn’t been refined from the first one, a tad dim and the same landscape doesn’t register the same rapt effect anymore.

Nevertheless, the film is an ameliorated update from AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, not simply because of Smaug’s imposing grandeur and droll garrulousness (voiced by a malignantly intoning Cumberbatch). The plain narration bifurcates from the early start, when Gandalf (McKellen) detaches from the rest of the expedition on a solitary quest, as it often pans out, the journey without the omnipotent grey wizard galvanizes more excitement and comic relief. The action set pieces are imbued with sufficient antics in the barrel cruise, the comeback of Legolas (Bloom) and a freshly coined female elf Tauriel (Lilly) reinforces audience’s modern aesthetic as a welcoming love triangle among the two and a handsome (and slightly taller-than-average) dwarf Kili (Turner) is a clever deployment to gratify a touch of romanticism and conforms with the topical love equity enthusiasm. The pulchritude of slaughtering orcs with dexterous archery can never stultify the viewers.

When Bilbo (Freeman) lurches into Smaug’s turf to exert his burglar role, it prompts the zenith with the disparate duel between the dwarf pack and the indomitable fire-generator, it is also worth mentioning the dissonant atmosphere between Bilbo and Thorin (Armitage), is the hobbit only an expedient pawn for Thorin’s stout-hearted vengeance to reclaim his kingdom, or the boundary of species can be breached through Bilbo’s valorous altruism? Let’s wait and see what will happen in the final venture.

This time, one might be able to distinguish the 13 dwarfs more easily besides Thorin, Balin (Stott), Kili and Fili (O’Gorman), Freeman is consistently indulged in his invisible vantage with the ring, while McKellen’s Gandalf has some perilous path to overcome. The film is properly enlightened by several new characters, apart from Tauriel’s apropos feminine touch, Bard (Evans) is the key character introduced here, and for certain his import in the finale is well hinted although we haven’t seen too much potential in him yet. And it is always a delight to watch Stephen Fry, sketchily appears as the Master of Laketown, quips with his insidious underling Alfrid (Gage).

As a middle section of a trilogy, this film actually skirts the conundrum of being left in the epic and enmeshed background without a certain closure to end the film itself, it is both satisfied to see to a not out-and-out victory and intrigued to imagine what will happen when the dragon is released to a more spacious scale, all magnetizes its core audience to return for a third time.… Expand

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7

Trev29Dec 15, 2013

There is no beginning and there is no end, and there is hardly any dialogue compared to the endless action sequences. I am not entirely complaining though. It was still more entertaining than the last one. It had many great moments, evenThere is no beginning and there is no end, and there is hardly any dialogue compared to the endless action sequences. I am not entirely complaining though. It was still more entertaining than the last one. It had many great moments, even though it felt like a 7 hour movie.… Expand

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8

theofficeDec 29, 2013

Not as good as the first one I think but still a very solid movie all around. The story, action sequences, comedy, etc was all really good. The one knock against it is that it didn't give me the same "epic" feeling the lord of the ringsNot as good as the first one I think but still a very solid movie all around. The story, action sequences, comedy, etc was all really good. The one knock against it is that it didn't give me the same "epic" feeling the lord of the rings movies and the first hobbit movie gave me. It didn't seem as grand an adventure as the first one. And I also feel there is too much computer animation which takes away from the realism. In any case I still very much liked it and highly recommend you go see it!… Expand

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9

OfficialMar 8, 2014

This sequel improves on the first film's pacing and it was exactly what I wanted from this film. Smaug was a bad-ass (coolest dragon ever), the film was entertaining and thrilling, and the journey back to Middle-Earth was a warm welcome.

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7

moonman1994Dec 21, 2013

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug does fix some of the problems of its predecessor. It has better pacing and the story changes that are made are much more enjoyable. The acting is fine and the film manages to develop the other dwarfsThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug does fix some of the problems of its predecessor. It has better pacing and the story changes that are made are much more enjoyable. The acting is fine and the film manages to develop the other dwarfs personalities as well which is a major plus. Unfortunately the film is still much to long and has scenes that would have been better reserved for the extended edition. If you love Lord of the Rings you'll love this film if not you'll probably be bored. That said there is plenty of action but with the length of the film it might not be enough for everyone.… Expand

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8

MouthofSauronDec 23, 2013

The second installment in The Hobbit franchise is a fast-paced adventure flick, sure to please the average moviegoer. The visuals are fantastic, if a little over the top- some scenes seem excessive and drawn-out. It's a darker film than itsThe second installment in The Hobbit franchise is a fast-paced adventure flick, sure to please the average moviegoer. The visuals are fantastic, if a little over the top- some scenes seem excessive and drawn-out. It's a darker film than its predecessor, and certainly a stronger one.… Expand

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10

fallen-saviorFeb 9, 2014

Great Movie so Far.Better then the first one.Better the fellowship and two towers .Great art Direction Lovely landscapes.Fast Paced heart pounding, mind blowing, barrel riding action. The world is living and breathing I feel like playing aGreat Movie so Far.Better then the first one.Better the fellowship and two towers .Great art Direction Lovely landscapes.Fast Paced heart pounding, mind blowing, barrel riding action. The world is living and breathing I feel like playing a Middle Earth rpg Game specially lake town segment is best. and who can forget about the CGI???If you wanna see a real dragon then watch this movie.
Overall Superb Movie.… Expand

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10

idohakerDec 20, 2013

i will give any one of you a slap if you will not see the hobbit: the desolation of smaug, an amazing movie, the first hobbit is nothing compared to this masterpiece, great story, the 3d was the best i saw since avatar, the story of this onei will give any one of you a slap if you will not see the hobbit: the desolation of smaug, an amazing movie, the first hobbit is nothing compared to this masterpiece, great story, the 3d was the best i saw since avatar, the story of this one was much interesting, the movie was much action packed, well it was an amazing excpeirience and i also saw it on 4d so the chairs moved all the time and there was water all over me every time there was rain, and there was wind at me every time someone shooted a arrow, but the real treat of this movie is one thing only, smaug, you will be like wtf when you will see smaug this movie deserve a 6/10 without smaug, smaug is freakign awsome and he was the whole last hour of the movie, for conclousing i will slap to any one that will not see this movie. there is no way someone is passing on this movie.… Expand

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8

JamesCannonDec 16, 2013

Return of the Jackson. Finally Jackson gets it right. His post Lord of the Rings commercial films have been mediocre at best (King Kong, Lovely Bones, Hobbit 1). They seemed like they would have been sure easy slam dunks for him, but theReturn of the Jackson. Finally Jackson gets it right. His post Lord of the Rings commercial films have been mediocre at best (King Kong, Lovely Bones, Hobbit 1). They seemed like they would have been sure easy slam dunks for him, but the lack of editing in all of them, made them bloated hot messes. I like a few of his pre Lord of the Rings work as well and I knew it was matter of time till he finally directed a good film. The second Hobbit movie gives him more to work with. One you have a great creature creation that Weta can show off, but you also have great action sequences that looked amazing in the high frame rate. The problems of straining my eyes were no longer there and I was able to just absorb everything on the screen. The film still has pacing problems and the characters just aren't as lively or interesting as the LOTR. The biggest problem is the story only really offers dwarves getting in and out of shenanigans and nothing else really propels the story forward until smaug shows up. All that being said its much better than the first and it has me anticipating the final act, which hopefully will shave off another ten minutes from its running time and be ever sharper.… Expand

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8

MaxsonDec 13, 2013

Pretty much the middle of the book. If you read the book, you know it's really short compare to The Lord of the ring. Peter Jackson did a great job expanding the story. The pacing in this one is a lot faster than the first one, its morePretty much the middle of the book. If you read the book, you know it's really short compare to The Lord of the ring. Peter Jackson did a great job expanding the story. The pacing in this one is a lot faster than the first one, its more action packed, and the special effects was beautiful. Lots of exciting moments in this one, smaug the dragon was...badass. The scale and visual of smaug was beyond amazing. Can't wait for the final installment.… Expand

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9

Compi24Dec 21, 2013

Capitalizing on every ounce of humor, majesty, and mischief that its predecessor excelled in, but also adding in an infinitely satisfying amount of second-chapter-dread, "The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug" steers the lucrative franchiseCapitalizing on every ounce of humor, majesty, and mischief that its predecessor excelled in, but also adding in an infinitely satisfying amount of second-chapter-dread, "The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug" steers the lucrative franchise into the most engrossing direction possible.… Expand

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9

SwatiJan 7, 2014

Jackson certainly endeavoured to outdo himself and he succeeded in at least the visual department, with both the visual effects and set design. The photography was breathtaking, suggesting the same sense of wilderness audience must beJackson certainly endeavoured to outdo himself and he succeeded in at least the visual department, with both the visual effects and set design. The photography was breathtaking, suggesting the same sense of wilderness audience must be familiar with if they have seen Lord of the Rings.

The bad blood between dwarves and elves is further explored. Thorin Oakenshield, Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf remain the main characters. The rest of the dwarf company also come in handy. At other times they goof around and keep the mood from turning gloomy. The orcs are more fierce enemies than just being the cannon fodder. The aura of incorruption around the elves is lifted when they behave in quite an ordinary and unnoble way. One new character I felt like should have been given a bigger role than the ones which were was Beorn. We follow three gradually diverging narratives_ Gandalf's search for the Necromancer, Bilbo's and the dwarves' journey through Mirkwood and beyond, and Legolas's and Tauriel's adventures.

The visual effects were stunningly beautiful. The creatures depicted, such as the horde of gigantic spiders and the orc leaders, were better done than the ones in the sister franchise. Azog and his son Bolg are the first time a sense of family has been associated with orcs. I especially liked the scenes with the Necromancer and the dwarves' predicament in the forest. Smaug is the best dragon I've seen anywhere on film and tv, and his scenes with the sea of gold in a cave projected a scope out of this world. New places, like the town of Esgaroth, the ruins of Dol Guldur and Mirkwood were created in CGI but looked authentic. The fighting scenes were thrilling and enduring.

New characters joined the plot whenever the existing ones ran into trouble they couldn't find their way out of. Lord of the Rings did that only in the first instalment, and those characters remained important, like Aragorn and his buddies, and their quest remained relevant and sometimes became more important. Here, Legolas just walks into the film and so does Bard, conveniently at times when the dwarves most needed them, and their stories become central for no apparent reason. Legolas should have only been included if his interaction with the company and his impact on the narrative had been so essential to the onward flow of the plot that had he been removed the story would have crumbled. His inclusion was just a fan service. The natural growth of a story to include these characters was not visible, and their stories were irrelevant. This is a sign of weak storytelling. I guess this could be argued for against Lord of the Rings too but at least it didn't claim to follow only Frodo.

Lord of the Rings was a tale that you felt about and cared for. Maybe it was because of the fact that the visual effects did not outshine the indomitable strength of the narrative and its emotional impact. The Hobbit series may not be memorable, or it may be but only because of Jackson's attachment, for quite frankly it was a show-off of the advancements of visual effects. Maybe if they had stuck with the decision to make only two films there would have been more enduring scenes at regular intervals instead of empty action gimmicks presented with nothing at risk. No character's life is ever seriously threatened. While that rang true to some extent for the second and third instalments of the Lord of the Rings, here not one character sacrifices his life for the benefit of others, even with a ridiculously large fire-breathing dragon as their adversary. For this reason I feel The Hobbit series is in the same vein as Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

The stakes skyrocketed after Smaug comes onscreen, and the film improved manyfold, but unfortunately it takes two hours to reach him. While the Lord of the Rings was distinguished with Gollum's entry in The Two Towers, this time it was Smaug who allured and amazed and fascinated. One more film franchise rescued by Benedict Cumberbatch. His voice was haunting.

Legolas seemed like a different character. He's haughty, disrespectful and reckless, and occasionally needs saving. I explained this development by observing that he was young back then. He engages in sword duels when there really is no need for it. His fighting skills in LotR was effective in that he doesn't feel the need to showcase his abilities and only does what is necessary to kill his opponents with the least amount of energy and with a view to overcome the odds of the orcs pitted against him.

The movie tended to drag before the tempo being picked up again by the action sequences. What they did better was the start and finsish of the film, which were promising and spiked interest immediately. It felt like an amalgamation of some very great scenes which when brought together didn't really help either Bilbo and his ring story or the main story about the dwarves' kingdom. This movie only roused my wonder with the visuals but had absolutely no impact on my emotions.… Expand

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9

ToffenuffJan 21, 2014

Better than the first part of the Hobbit trilogy. More intense and action-packed. You finally get to see and hear Smaug. Great visuals and locations, a hallmark of all LotR films, once again transport you to the beautiful and dangerous landBetter than the first part of the Hobbit trilogy. More intense and action-packed. You finally get to see and hear Smaug. Great visuals and locations, a hallmark of all LotR films, once again transport you to the beautiful and dangerous land of Middle Earth. As a film, this was highly entertaining with enough humor, action, and intrigue to go around. However, it does stray from the book as the writers changed, removed, or shortened certain sections. That being said, I still enjoyed this second installment of The Hobbit and would recommend it to anyone who loved the original LotR trilogy.… Expand

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7

Rox22Apr 21, 2014

I'm not really sure what to say. The movie kinda deviates from what I remember from the book. Still, book and obvious differences aside I still thought it was allot of fun.

From an entertainment point of view, I though it was far betterI'm not really sure what to say. The movie kinda deviates from what I remember from the book. Still, book and obvious differences aside I still thought it was allot of fun.

From an entertainment point of view, I though it was far better than the last Hobbit movie. Lots of great action scenes and some amazing effects. The Dragon was pretty bad ass and it is rare that I remember seeing a true fantasy Dragon (Sean Connery's Dragon Heart does not count.) Sexy elf lady was pretty cool, should be more female character like her.

However, this movie gave me an overall feeling of doing too much and nothing at all at the same time. The movie really feels like filler and could easily have been edited down to fit onto the end and beginning of the first and last movies.

Overall:
The Desolation of Smaug is far, far, far from perfect, but it is allot of fun to watch and is easier to forgive if you think of it as a loose adaptation, than a direct one.

Side Note:
If anyone from the production team of the movie reads this, please fill in a little exposition into the next movie as to WHY Smaug is hording gold. He's clearly highly intelligent and not an over sized Magpie. What possible use could he have for it? Does he eat it?… Expand

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10

sharkman265Feb 13, 2014

Peter Jackson does it again ...
This movie took ahold of me and took me on a Journey from begining till the end !!
This movie i saw in Real 3D it was one of the best on par with Lord of the Rings:Two Towers on more ways than one aka thePeter Jackson does it again ...
This movie took ahold of me and took me on a Journey from begining till the end !!

This movie i saw in Real 3D it was one of the best on par with Lord of the Rings:Two Towers on more ways than one aka the abrupt ending which i knew Peter Jackson would do as seeing this was the first sequal in the trilogy and he has a knack for leaving us in suspense !!! Must watch & Must own for any J.R.R Tolkien fan !!!!!… Expand

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10

LeZeeDec 20, 2013

The second installment of the 'Hobbit' trilogy which is the prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. 365 days of wait is over, last year around the same day I saw 'An Unexpected Journey'. It totally blew me away with those awesomeThe second installment of the 'Hobbit' trilogy which is the prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. 365 days of wait is over, last year around the same day I saw 'An Unexpected Journey'. It totally blew me away with those awesome thrilling adventures and great graphics especially to watch a favourite movie in high frame rate gave a new dimensional experience. Also to see the 'The Lord of the Rings' character in digital 3D especially Gollum was amazing.

The movie kick starts with the director Peter Jackson's cameo as he crosses over from left to right on the screen having a bite of a carrot in a town called Bree. Then the missing scene from the first part of 'Hobbit' commence where the great wizard Gandalf the Grey offers the help to the dwarfs to reclaim their kingdom. After that the narration continues from where it ended in 'An Unexpected Journey'. The nonstop exciting journey of dwarfs proceeds in the middle-earth nothing lesser than its earlier part with the company of a Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. So the hope remains in Thorin, the next king of Erebor to fight back their enemy and take a revenge.

The missing in this movie is the Gollum, I don't think he will come back in the next installment as well. A little disappointing for Gandalf fans as well. He was not in action as much we aspired to see his magical stuffs. If you are a die hard 'The Lord of the Rings' the list goes on. In another way it is great to see new faces around. But you must remember it is not the movie(s) about the 'ring', it is the dwarfs tale where it all happens before Gimli, son of Gloin.

Like I said the good thing is the reintroduction of the Elvin prince of Woodland Realm, Legolas. Last time we saw him in the final battle of middle-earth in the movie 'The Return of the King'. The 'Lost' fame Evangeline Lilly was the newest major addition of the series and she was amazing. She lonely fulfilled the due of women's contribution of this particular movie of 'Hobbit' trilogy. Like she Luke Evans was also had a prominent role but I guess his major action sequences will come in the next part.

In this and next paragraph I gonna write some good's and bad's of this movie. I wanna begin by saying HFR was unbelievable, the picture quality was very good with no blurs in fast panning camera sequences. I know few people may get hard time to adjust with smoothness in motion but you will get used to it if you already saw the first. Compared to 'An Unexpected Journey' it had a little more drama in story narration but as usual it had the adventures that happen in a tight situation. There's a similar kind escape scene what we had seen under the mountain kingdom Goblin. Here which happen in the water I mean the river where dwarfs are getting escaped from the Elves and of course the Arcs.

"My arm is like tenfold shields, my teeth are like swords, my claws are the spear, the shock of my tail is a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane and my breath death" is what the Smaug describes himself angrily. In this whole movie all I expected was to see the Smaug, the last great dragon of middle-earth. As we know it was an adaptation of children's book so I was curious to see Smaug to talk. In all the last four movies I have not seen talking animal as per my knowledge. The first time I got the impression of the root base of fantasy touch like we had seen in 'Narnia' and 'Harry Potter' movie series. The British actor Benedict Cumberbatch gave his incredible voice and performance through motion capture to the Smaug.

There's nothing we can do than have a peek while it is in the cinema hall. As usual this movie will bomb the box office. I am already beginning to think about the 2015 Christmas holiday, without 'Hobbit' it will be most disappointment festival season. As for now I gonna end 2013 with this masterpiece.

Tolkien would have been blown away to see his own creation in a breathtaking motion picture. He wrote it keeping in mind children, as based on a children the movie achieved the heights that no one ever imagined which attracted the adults more than children. So all the credits go to the man behind it, Peter Jackson and then the his cast and crew. Now I have to wait another 365 days to have the grand finale of the 'Hobbit' series, feels like one more decade to go. In the mean time I might see it again and wait for the Blu-ray. So what's your plan...… Expand

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7

python2000Dec 30, 2013

The second movie in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy has arrived, which started off with the impressive An Unexpected Journey, so far it's consistent.
While it did get a positive reaction overall the main problem most people had with AnThe second movie in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy has arrived, which started off with the impressive An Unexpected Journey, so far it's consistent.
While it did get a positive reaction overall the main problem most people had with An Unexpected Journey was how slow moving it was and the lack of action. This definitely improves on that, instead of spending 45 minutes eating fine dairy products and washing up pots you go straight into the action. I would just prefer it if the action wasn't so brainless and cartoon like, I have been trying to avoid saying this but it would benefit from being more like the Lord of the Rings. The dwarves and Bilbo attempting to take down Smaug in the climax reminds me of a Tom and Jerry episode I once watched. However all of the actors give respectable performances even if some of their lines can be cheesy. Martin Freeman is more than respectable as the title character Bilbo Baggins (the Hobbit), possibly even more impressive than in the previous instalment. But the most memorable by far is Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) doing some brilliant voice acting as the trilogies main villain Smaug the dragon. It's just a shame that I was reminded of one of the clichéd Bond villains who doesn't kill its main threat even when they have a good chance at success. Brilliant CGI for Smaug and his lair though. Everyone got pissed off with Peter Jackson after the first movie was (in short) boring, and the movie nerd outrage this time is that there is a love triangle between 2 elves and a dwarf. To be honest it didn't bother me, actually I did for the first 2 hours when I thought it was utterly pointless and only in the movie to make it longer. Then a very emotional and moving speech is made by a dying dwarf which totally redeems it all. Some may find it forced and dismiss it as clichéd, but I enjoyed it and found it to be the highlight of the movie.
Not as good as the first movie despite being much more exciting and having the first appearance of the slightly disappointing Smaug. Worth watching if you liked the first movie, if you hated it this one will be just as bad.… Expand

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8

sanyrubJan 7, 2014

Can´t believe I´m saying this but I really liked and enjoyed this second part of the trilogy. I love The lord of The Rings (especially the last part and especially Frodo+Sam, the heart of the film) and yes the first Hobbit was a letdownCan´t believe I´m saying this but I really liked and enjoyed this second part of the trilogy. I love The lord of The Rings (especially the last part and especially Frodo+Sam, the heart of the film) and yes the first Hobbit was a letdown because it felt long and was boring at parts, like there was no reason whatsoever for this new adventure despite the stunning visuals. TLOTR was vibrant and exciting and had a heart, the first Hobbit didn´t have that and it made us wonder if this was a bad decision. Well, so surprised they convinced me with this second part that the effort to do this new trilogy was worthy. They explain some more things about this adventure that make it more grounded. I enjoyed it from start to finish, visuals can´t get any better, good acting (actor playing Bilbo was an amazing choice, he is fantastic for this), the pacing was great this time because the start of the film was strong, this younger Legolas we didn´t know is great to see, the new Elfo woman is a good character too, the King of the Elves from the forest seems like a great and intimidating character too (I´m sure we´ll see him a lot in the last part of the trilogy) and of course the moment we finally get to see Smaug is impressive, very entertaining and spectacular. Best part of the film was Smaug+Bilbo scenes. It went a little downhill after that when all the dwarfs join Smaug and Bilbo because it felt like nobody was at risk despite the giant dragon trying to kill them.

Overall, I think it´s time to accept The Hobbit has always been a lighter story and that it is here to be enjoyed without getting emotionally involved like it happened to everybody with Frodo, Sam and the whole TLOTR trilogy. This time the director got it right and was entertaining and stunning offering so I give this a strong 7.5 (I gave the first Hobbit a 6 out of 10).… Expand

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9

98ocarinaFeb 8, 2014

An improvement from last time, this is a Middle Earth movie no fan should skip! Better story, action and a crazy cliffhanger. The addition of the new characters that were not in the book is also a welcome addition.

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9

Rob7309Mar 7, 2014

Simply put, I loved this movie. I was surprised to hear the number of people say they were disappointed in the first movie, but I think those that were will not be will this installment. Although Jackson takes some creative liberties, ISimply put, I loved this movie. I was surprised to hear the number of people say they were disappointed in the first movie, but I think those that were will not be will this installment. Although Jackson takes some creative liberties, I believe they were for making a better movie than just straight up adapting the book.… Expand

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9

Jbles303Dec 25, 2013

Peter Jackson has done it yet again. If you find yourself uninterested by the movie experience Mr. Jackson continues to create for his viewers, ignore all of that and at least see Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug for the visual effects. YouPeter Jackson has done it yet again. If you find yourself uninterested by the movie experience Mr. Jackson continues to create for his viewers, ignore all of that and at least see Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug for the visual effects. You will not be disappointed.… Expand

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10

morty20Dec 23, 2013

I watched the first movie. it was great. I watched desolation of smaug. IT WAS AWESOME! i love the movie. I love everything about it. Go out and watch this movie. it's worth it. I'm fire... i'm death! -smaug

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7

bm2759Jan 15, 2014

The Desolation of Smaug is a little less boring than the previous instalment, but it’s really no better in terms of craft and narrative. There is one inspired action sequence in which the dwarves and Bilbo escape from the elves in barrels.The Desolation of Smaug is a little less boring than the previous instalment, but it’s really no better in terms of craft and narrative. There is one inspired action sequence in which the dwarves and Bilbo escape from the elves in barrels. This sequence recalls Jackson’s King Kong set pieces where he just builds ideas on top of ideas into an extended adventure. And that’s it. Then it’s all back to normal.

Whilst the Lord of the Rings were Oscar-winning technical marvels, the biggest issue I have with this and Journey is that the story is so mundane that we’re left looking for a visual “wow” factor, and it’s not there. The barrel sequence was so clever, I didn’t care how the effects looked. The generic archery and dragon hunting wasn’t creatively captivating, and it certainly wasn’t visually so.

Overall it's entertaining and it's quite obvious the source material is so short that the crew had no choice but to embellish on the story. And add plenty of visual effects as filler to prolong this story across three films.

If you seek an absolutely 100% accurate book to film translation you will be unhappy. But if you want to be entertained and can overlook this you'll have a nice time.… Expand

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9

Movie1997Dec 25, 2013

I remember reviewing "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" back in March of this review. It was my very first review on this website. After watching this sequel I got to say, WOW! "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is surprisingly betterI remember reviewing "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" back in March of this review. It was my very first review on this website. After watching this sequel I got to say, WOW! "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is surprisingly better than the first in most ways, even though I loved the first one, the story, the pacing, the action is all just jumped up a notch. It's filled with great performances, especially Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug! What a great year for that guy! Overall, "The Desolation of Smaug" is a much more action-packed well told better paced middle earth story. The only flaw I had was a little bit of inconsistency! That's it! Other than that, it's one heck of a ride and I can't wait for "The Hobbit: There and Back Again!" I give this epic an A!… Expand

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9

jimnybillybobFeb 5, 2014

Felt like I had to add a review firstly because this is a very good film and also to counter the childish fools who gave this film a below 7, honestly people should grow up and enjoy the film for what it is and yes of course it's not as goodFelt like I had to add a review firstly because this is a very good film and also to counter the childish fools who gave this film a below 7, honestly people should grow up and enjoy the film for what it is and yes of course it's not as good as lotr but it still a very good watch, enjoy… Expand

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7

benishereDec 13, 2013

Well, first of it's awesome to be back to Middle Earth as an hard core fan since like half my life. However some parts can be seem as a little too long.

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8

silver497Dec 23, 2013

I've heard a lot of people complaining that this movie sucks because it's not faithful to the novel. This doesn't bother me since film is a completely different artistic medium, and some things will be lost or added. That being said, I reallyI've heard a lot of people complaining that this movie sucks because it's not faithful to the novel. This doesn't bother me since film is a completely different artistic medium, and some things will be lost or added. That being said, I really liked this movie, and thought this was a huge improvement over the first. One of the most impressive things about the movie was they added Legolas and a new Elven character, and it didn't feel shoehorned or forced, it actually made sense. A problem I had with the first film in this trilogy was that the pacing was uneven and all over the place. This one, however, the pacing is consistent for the most part(except for the lake village). While many of the dwarf characters in the first one felt underdeveloped and were more like throwaways than actual characters, many of the dwarves get to shine in this. Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug is sensational. And it looks like Bilbo is beginning to reach his full potential. In conclusion, 2/3s in, I don't think The Hobbit trilogy will ever reach the heights of the masterful Lord of the Rings, I can still enjoy the ride, especially The Desolation of Smaug. 8/10… Expand

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8

PStakhivDec 18, 2013

Outstanding acting mixed with high quality CGI makes it's action scenes to become new benchmark! The movie isn't perfect, but still Second installment of Hobbit series is the best action movie if 2013, period.

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7

genericusenameJan 12, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Minor spoilers. It's a solid movie but is also the weakest of Jackson's Tolkien adaptations. There were some very good scenes, such as the escape scene and the Beorn sequence. However, there were some very weak scenes involving Tauriel. The character just didn't work. I've been fine with most of Jackson's deviations in the other movies. However, the addition of Tauriel and the big changes in Smaug's scenes bothered me quite a bit. I still found the movie to be enjoyable, but it's far from Jackson's best work.… Expand

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7

Prodigy2013Jan 1, 2014

It feels like just yesterday I was mulling at my disappointment with ‘An Unexpected Journey’ and its fall from the graces of ‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’; however has Peter Jackson got back his mojo? Probably not; but I must say this wasIt feels like just yesterday I was mulling at my disappointment with ‘An Unexpected Journey’ and its fall from the graces of ‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’; however has Peter Jackson got back his mojo? Probably not; but I must say this was quite improvement and it seems as if he’s striving to return to the glory of the first trilogy. ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ was an exciting "little" epic and it feels much more purposeful than the first film. The story continues with the band of dwarves on their journey to reclaim the Misty Mountain, which was overrun by the vain and cruel Dragon named, Smaug (perfectly voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). Of course, along the way, they encounter a great deal of danger which... of course, was engineered to the finest degree. The action sequences did run for too long in many instances, but they were creatively staged; and Jackson and his legions visual effects specialists continue their win streak in this department. One aspect that falls utterly short was the length and enormity of the film; which doesn't match the scope of the relatively small story. A sentiment I also expressed with the first installment, though to a lesser degree, here. This time around the film was filled with too many neat gimmicks (take Legolas’ inclusion as an example) and uninspired subplots, such as the Elven-Dwarf love triangle. Thankfully these stumbles did not do much damage to the main story line, which is setting up dominoes for an epic conclusion, but they do highlight flaws in the screenwriting department. These things aside, ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ was an entertaining, visually appetizing film; that should please fans of the original trilogy and newer followers, if even solely for its pure level of charm.… Expand

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9

kykinsonDec 23, 2013

The movie is just amazing! it has the mix of action,adventure and fun! It makes me wanna watch the Lord of the Rings again! Really amazing everyone should see this!

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8

WorstReviewsJan 18, 2014

Maybe Peter Jacksons money, and quest for the oversized adventure has got to his head. Nonetheless, I loved this film. It's such a major improvement over An Unexpected Journey, I don't even want to talk about that peice of crap. I feel moreMaybe Peter Jacksons money, and quest for the oversized adventure has got to his head. Nonetheless, I loved this film. It's such a major improvement over An Unexpected Journey, I don't even want to talk about that peice of crap. I feel more like this should be similar to that of the trilogy and thats what makes it amazing. If Peter would've done this with An Unexpected Journey they would've made alot more money on this film. overall major improvement, 8/10 Great.… Expand

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10

eli9494Dec 20, 2013

This movie was the best yet out of all the tolkien based movies jackson has done! A very long movie like all of them have been, but never felt like it. Constantly something happening, multiple story lines, and when they finally meet Smaug,This movie was the best yet out of all the tolkien based movies jackson has done! A very long movie like all of them have been, but never felt like it. Constantly something happening, multiple story lines, and when they finally meet Smaug, all I have to say is wow. I thought it was one of the best movies i've ever seen, and I can't wait for the third and final hobbit movie. I am curious how the film will be, as basically the sequels are not sequels they are merely breaks cause an audience wouldn't sit through a 9 hour movie (hell I would if it was this lol) anyway go see it. some people are saying it doesn't follow the book, I have never read the book, but regardless great movie whether it followed the book or not.… Expand

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9

MattyJMApr 13, 2014

WOW!
Just as good as the first one, maybe even surpasses it by the plain fact of there being a dragon in it! I recommend this movie to ANYONE and EVERYONE! If your the kind of moviegoer that enjoys action, fantasy, battles and things beingWOW!
Just as good as the first one, maybe even surpasses it by the plain fact of there being a dragon in it! I recommend this movie to ANYONE and EVERYONE! If your the kind of moviegoer that enjoys action, fantasy, battles and things being killed then this is the movie for you!… Expand

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8

Jack_SunshineDec 24, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There was a time, during the early years of the twenty first century, when each December would herald a new Lord of the Rings (alongside a new Harry Potter film and maybe a Star Wars, if we were lucky). The height of this lasted only as long as the three years over which Peter Jackson’s original trilogy were released, but was already becoming something of a tradition.

With ITV serialising Harry Potter over the Christmas period, and a brand new epic trilogy in the Hunger Games series coinciding with the release of The Hobbit, it really does feel like it did all those years ago. Certainly, Peter Jackson wants to do it all over again, and why not? It’s a treat to indulge in almost three hours of fantasy on the big screen, and there can be no denying that The Hobbit is indulgent.

Much has been made of the seemingly unnecessary decision to stretch a meagre prequel out to the length of the epic three-book Lord of the Rings trilogy. Strictly speaking, this series rounds out Peter Jackson’s version of Middle Earth as both an adaptation of The Hobbit and the numerous appendices and preambles that were cut from The Lord of the Rings.

It’s been a long time since I read The Hobbit so long, in fact, that it may have been read to me by my parents. I can’t quite remember what‘s original, and what’s just filler, but these films are ticking all the boxes for me. Last year had the encounter with trolls and Bilbo’s riddles with Gollum, and this time around we visit the foreboding gloom of Mirkwood, the distant settlement of Laketown (where Stephen Fry appears as the greedy master) and the lair of the dragon Smaug.

The star of these films as always been the visual effects and epic scope, and this instalment is no exception. CGI spectacle integrates seamlessly into the breathtaking New Zealand landscape. While largely flawless, some of the green screen shots are regrettably obvious, and the final sequence, involving much molten gold, is decidedly lacklustre.

Martin Freeman shines as the unassuming Bilbo Baggins, who has much greater confidence, a result of both his experiences in the first film and the slow but steady corruption of the ring. Similarly, the deposed king Thorin (Richard Armitage) appears to come under the influence of his lost wealth as the party nears the ocean of gold below the mountain.

New material includes the presence of Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Jackson’s original character Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly, providing the film’s only female lead) who flesh out the scenes in the Elven kingdom and provide some intrigue into the relationships between Elves and Dwarves. They also help drive the film’s most high paced action sequence, the famous barrel escape.

With a hindsight that Tolkien himself was not afforded, the film is tied neatly to Lord of the Rings continuity by Legolas, along with references to his future companion Gimli and the Eye of Sauron. The latter is the focus of an expanded sequence with Gandalf (Ian McKellen, delivering a typically winning performance) in the spooky ruins of the fortress which casts a pall over the surrounding region. The final sequence, a battle with Smaug through ruins of mighty Dwarven industry, provides another thrill ride, and prevents the film from ending with an otherwise unsatisfying cliff hanger.

Inevitably, with thirteen dwarves and one hobbit in the main party (and countless other wizards, elves and humans filling up the story) the cast is too large, and many of the characters slip into the background. Thankfully, Bilbo receives a lengthy scene one-on-one with the film’s most stunning special effect, the dragon Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. The performance drips with ham and cheese and the beast occupies every inch of the cinema screen.

So while this film strays occasionally into overblown fantasy dialogue, and it can be a challenge to keep up with all the characters and everything that’s going on, this is an enjoyable, if lengthy movie, at least the equal of its predecessor.… Expand

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9

pescetarianDec 29, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first encounter of Master Bilbo and Smaug was suspenseful... no sooner had Smaug cornered the ever elusive hobbit, even while sporting his precious ring which these days the so-called burglar has grown quite accustomed to wearing, the dragon got respect... not just the bling bling.

Smaug wasn't another stereotypical Hollywood lizard with wings (sorry Sean Connery)... it spoke with eloquence, with a hint of aristocratic English accent... like an intelligent psychopathic killer that craves death without a hint of remorse... ancient evil certainly lurks in the darker world of Tolkien.

The dwarf/dragon hide n' seek in the cave quickly became redundant after knowing Bard awaits at the nearby lake town with his family heirloom, the black arrow... Peter Jackson and his editors should have left that tidbit out until after Smaug stretched out its wings in the twilight to unleash its conscious act of "fire" and "death" upon the lakers.

Aside from this rant... overall, this film is deserving of a spot at the top, near the very first LOTR film... critics' reviews are harsh... those who enjoy epic journeys that capture the imagination would thoroughly enjoy this adventure and will anticipate the sixth and final installment.… Expand

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10

FedelcaJan 9, 2014

El primero en la fila para ver Desolation of Smaug: simplemente impresionante y mejor que la primera entrega. Peter Jackson dirige con éxito este maravilloso spin-off de "El Señor de los Anillos" y le hace un gran honor a los libros deEl primero en la fila para ver Desolation of Smaug: simplemente impresionante y mejor que la primera entrega. Peter Jackson dirige con éxito este maravilloso spin-off de "El Señor de los Anillos" y le hace un gran honor a los libros de Tolkien. Esta película impacta intelectualmente como visualmente, y, para hacer más honores, las escenas épicas de aventuras son impresionantes y divertidas.
La saga de The Hobbit es la mejor aventura épica desde que empezó la década y no me arrepiento en decir que si esta película no es de tu agrado; a mí ni me hables, porque obviamente habitas en un mundo al que yo no estoy interesado. Gran película y merece un 10.… Expand

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9

muntingprinsipeDec 21, 2013

This is way, way better than the first installment. People should really stop comparing it to LOTR because there is nothing we can do to the story of THE HOBBIT. LOTR will always be better in every aspect. I have very high respects for PeterThis is way, way better than the first installment. People should really stop comparing it to LOTR because there is nothing we can do to the story of THE HOBBIT. LOTR will always be better in every aspect. I have very high respects for Peter Jackson and I can really say that without him, all these Middle Earth movies will never ever be the same.… Expand

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7

HayzeDec 22, 2013

Although this movie diverges from the book, Peter Jackson does a great job incorporating a good story that was never introduced by Tolkien. The tie in with Gandalf and "The Necromancer", Bard's background story, and the visually incredibleAlthough this movie diverges from the book, Peter Jackson does a great job incorporating a good story that was never introduced by Tolkien. The tie in with Gandalf and "The Necromancer", Bard's background story, and the visually incredible scene with Smaug and Erebor really shows how well they did with the extra story that was unwritten by Tolkien. Hobbit readers may think it isn't fantastic because it greatly changes from the book, but they did a great job switching the story up and making these other elements work. I even was disappointed with some of the changes, but I took into consideration the viewers that haven't read the book. For them, I believe it is excellent. And finally, was the barrel scene not the coolest display of action that you've seen in awhile? Hands down, one of the most spectacular scenes I have ever witnessed in terms of action.… Expand

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8

HeartanalogDec 25, 2013

Awesome! Not the travel channel version, like the first Hobbit where it could have been just Golum, instead we got hours of sweeping vistas. I got to admit the 3D was very clean, and it payed off when you finally see Smaug! Go see it! Fun forAwesome! Not the travel channel version, like the first Hobbit where it could have been just Golum, instead we got hours of sweeping vistas. I got to admit the 3D was very clean, and it payed off when you finally see Smaug! Go see it! Fun for the whole family!… Expand

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10

aleksasstaJan 9, 2014

I always loved Lord of the rings. This is similar, but has better animations. This second part is much better then the first one because it has a lot more action. I loved th dragon, they made him look and sound awesome.

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8

epocDec 24, 2013

I love the Hobbit, it is my favourite book ever! So I have to say I was a little exasperated at some of the additions to the story that weren't in the book. For example Legolas! WTF? Another one the Kili and elf love scene! WTF? HoweverI love the Hobbit, it is my favourite book ever! So I have to say I was a little exasperated at some of the additions to the story that weren't in the book. For example Legolas! WTF? Another one the Kili and elf love scene! WTF? However that's not to say I hate this movie. In fact I love this movie! All of its elements are strong, with so much attention to detail. The set pieces are marvellous, making me want to live in Middle Earth and roam freely. In all aspects it is an improvement over the last film, which struggled to find its feet. But here it gets straight on course, and the atmosphere is always exciting. Also the film is very well acted, but star of the show is Smaug. Credit to Benidict Cumberbatch, he's dark and installs fear into audiences. The CGI is also fantastic, leading to some amazing visual spectical. The action is great, but takes a different tone to LOTR. Instead of giant battles, the action here involves clever tricks and wit. If these changes weren't here I could of gave this a 10, but I can't.… Expand

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8

FordPrefectDec 17, 2013

Just saw this movie last night and I was blown away! Jackson again keeps the tone lighter than Lord of The Rings and although it makes this a more fun filled adventure it can at times seem out of place. Overall however, this movie is aJust saw this movie last night and I was blown away! Jackson again keeps the tone lighter than Lord of The Rings and although it makes this a more fun filled adventure it can at times seem out of place. Overall however, this movie is a fantastic adventure.… Expand

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10

SythusHDJan 23, 2014

Well i saw the first movie and it was pretty good, not great but i still liked it, when i went to watch the Desolation of Smaug, i loved it and its probably my favorite Middle-Earth based movie, go watch this movie it will blow your mind,Well i saw the first movie and it was pretty good, not great but i still liked it, when i went to watch the Desolation of Smaug, i loved it and its probably my favorite Middle-Earth based movie, go watch this movie it will blow your mind, Smaug is the most real CGI character ever to appear on the big screen.… Expand

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7

ThatReviewGuyDec 15, 2013

You know what? Why the hell not. It's a good movie. It's true to Tolkien's masterpiece in almost every aspect, giving that action spin to keep the 'Murican fashion. The cliffhanger and the Elven-Dwarf romance, though.... God, I almost puked.You know what? Why the hell not. It's a good movie. It's true to Tolkien's masterpiece in almost every aspect, giving that action spin to keep the 'Murican fashion. The cliffhanger and the Elven-Dwarf romance, though.... God, I almost puked. They just put those silly elements in for NO APPARENT REASON. Anyways, it's ok. Give it a spin … Expand

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8

PHJDec 16, 2013

I don't know what to say, this movie is great obviously, by the way there is some problems witch make it worst than the 1fst one, Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continue and follow correctly the history, and starts badly.

When the movieI don't know what to say, this movie is great obviously, by the way there is some problems witch make it worst than the 1fst one, Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continue and follow correctly the history, and starts badly.

When the movie self develops it starts to be great, the scene of the river (witch is in the trailer, no spoiler) it's just perfect, the background music, the animation, the especial effects and the theme is great, and you will have more great scenes like this as the movie continues, so about sound track, especial effects, actuation, voiceover, background and history, the movie is great.

I think the point witch everyvbody hates in this movie is the final, but think if you was the director of Hobbit, you have a great triology to make movies, what you can do to obligate the people to continue watching the triology? No finals, you watch a 2:30 hours movie and don't see any final, it's a bad point? Is, but it's good for create an expective for the next Hobbit.

The scenes with Smaug is a little bit confusig, obviouly Bilbo will not kill the dragon alone, so the dwarfs came to help him, and they start to make a trap for Smaug, the movie shows that, but you will know that they are making the trap just when Samug is trapped, so it's confusing.

The strong points of the movie is the beatiful soundtrack and the sounds by it self, the especial effects, the background (witch is in New Zeland, and it's impressive), the great history and how the movie shows the changes of Bilbo, this is nice and a strong point of the movie. Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug is a worthy 8 8.5 movie, I recomend!… Expand

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10

XCactusHDDec 20, 2013

This is the best film i ever seen :D
It has a lot of interesting moments and otheer great stuff,
I do not know why people rate it 62 o.o i had read the book and it was AWESOME. But the film, is something like, god came to the earth andThis is the best film i ever seen :D
It has a lot of interesting moments and otheer great stuff,
I do not know why people rate it 62 o.o
i had read the book and it was AWESOME.
But the film, is something like, god came to the earth and made the hobbit.… Expand

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7

dougie812Dec 20, 2013

The ending of this movie is cruel. I will leave it at that. This MOVIE is a great adaptation from the BOOK. This installment is not a recreation of the book and they do a great job taking the audience to the Lonely Mountain. To me, theyThe ending of this movie is cruel. I will leave it at that. This MOVIE is a great adaptation from the BOOK. This installment is not a recreation of the book and they do a great job taking the audience to the Lonely Mountain. To me, they carved a great impression of Smaug as something that's wise and unpredictable. The movie has the great cinematic and musical feel that all the other movies share.… Expand

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10

theolambrouDec 21, 2013

great movie, in particular there were scenes that were really chilling; the necromancer vs gandalf scene awesome effects, and of course the dragon scenes

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10

JadProductionsDec 21, 2013

This movie was such a big improvement from the relatively weak not bad) first installment. Every aspect from the action to the dialog has been improved much. Cant wait to see if the last movie will develop as much as this one did from theThis movie was such a big improvement from the relatively weak not bad) first installment. Every aspect from the action to the dialog has been improved much. Cant wait to see if the last movie will develop as much as this one did from the first. And Smaug, oh yeah, even though he didn´t show up until the last third of the movie he still owned it. Probably one of the greatest villain of all time. Just perfect into every last detail. From the voice to the design and the way he acted.… Expand

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9

CageFreeGDec 23, 2013

Much has been made by professional and amateur critics alike regarding all the scenes and dialogue in the movie that didn't exist in the book. Jackson has, in fact, invented a great deal on the fly, and not all of it to the betterment of theMuch has been made by professional and amateur critics alike regarding all the scenes and dialogue in the movie that didn't exist in the book. Jackson has, in fact, invented a great deal on the fly, and not all of it to the betterment of the story. But if purists are concerned about these additions and revisions it must then be asked if having dogs and goats serving dinner to the Dwarves in Beorn's house would have met with their approval. Though this is exactly what happened in the book, I think this would have resulted with an even greater amount of eye-rolling, if not more, than has been expressed in any number of reviews.

In addition, a great many critics know nothing about the story and are disadvantaged by their ignorance. Lou Lumenick of he New York Post writes, "...character of Legolas has been interpolated into this story, which also manufactures a wan romantic triangle that pits him against hunky fellow elf Killi (Aidan Turner) for the hand of a Katniss-ish warrior named Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly)."

I agree completely with the addition of Evangeline Lilly's character Tauriel as being a WTH moment. I don't understand Jackson's compunction to create her (other than giving the orcs someone to chase all the way to Laketown). But I have two thoughts on the remainder of this controversy; 1) Legolas is actually the son of King Thranduil (see the appendices of LoTR), and since we are in Thranduil's domain, though Legolas is not so much as mentioned in The Hobbit, it's not coloring entirely outside the lines that we might encounter him here, and 2) Since "Kili" (one "l", not two...) is a dwarf, and not an elf, one must not only wonder at Lou's ability to critically follow a simple plot line, one must also wonder at what Jackson and company might have been thinking here. It's beyond me to sus this out...

Another oft cited critical failing of the movie(s) is that a trilogy seems to have been manufactured out a rather short story. This critique for me is less understandable than a great many others. The brevity in which Tolkien tells his story should in no way reflect how that story gets told in a cinematic form. Tolkien's economy of words belies a rather grand and epic story which, contrary to the assumptions of many, does not end with the defeat of Smaug; The Battle of the Five Armies being a huge set piece that occurs after the Dwarve's mission has all but been accomplished. In my opinion, three films is about right to cover all the fertile ground that Tolkien so lovingly plowed and seeded for us in this book.

Having said all that... there are certainly problems that a fan of the book must contend with. For me, the specifics of the plot line Lou Lumenick references is an issue. The insinuation of even the possibility of a romantic plot line between a dwarf and an elf makes me shake my head; but the dialogue reference to what "may or may not be hidden in Kili's pants" (as he asks why he wasn't searched) for me was a bridge too far. I was equally non-plussed by Bofur's confusing "crochet" for "croquet" in An Unexpected Journey, and saying, "It's a great game... if you have the balls for it." This kind of quasi-sexual innuendo I find to be completely out of place in these films. Not that I'm a prude... I'm not. It just seems to set the bar lower than it need be. The "Azog" plot line I also find problematic... given that Azog is, according to Tolkien, dead at the time the Dwarves attempt to retake Erebor. Another weakness in the film for me was the Beorn story line... to me this section is the perfect justification for excluding Tom Bombadi and Goldberry in the first LoTR film. Some characters, though beloved by the fans, just don't translate well to film. Was this just a bad translation or is there something inherent to the character that defies translation... you be the judge.

Overall I rather enjoyed the film. The barrel escape from the Wood Elves was a barrel of fun and the spiders of Mirkwood cast a completely compelling web. I especially like how Jackson included the fact that Bilbo could understand the spider's speach when he was wearing the One Ring. The visualization of Gandalf and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur was, for me, an added pleasure. I don't believe there is any fan of The Hobbit or the LoTR that hasn't wished in our heart of hearts that Tolkien had given us more of this story, or wanted to see that confrontation played out on film. I, for one, am hoping that Jackson will dazzle us with Sauron's eviction from Dol Guldur by the White Council in the third installment. But the pièce de résistance has to be Bilbo's verbal thrust and parry with Smaug. The anticipation built in An Unexpected Journey is paid off in spades in Desolation. Benedict Cumberbatch plays a spellbinding and villainous Smaug. I hung on every word, and when it was over felt an almost physical pain of withdrawal.

Is it a perfect film? Hardly... but it certainly satisfies this life-long Tolkien fan… Expand

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8

Garbouw_DearkDec 26, 2013

So, I never read the book, and I never saw the first movie. Still, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, while a bit rushed at times (despite the length of the movie) was still enjoyable to watch.

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9

SeniorMintsDec 27, 2013

I loved the movie. The only negative thing I can say is I didn't like where Jackson ended the second movie. I'm a fan of the book, and I realize that Jackson is going to have to add some stuff that wasn't in the book, but this doesn't takeI loved the movie. The only negative thing I can say is I didn't like where Jackson ended the second movie. I'm a fan of the book, and I realize that Jackson is going to have to add some stuff that wasn't in the book, but this doesn't take anything away from the story.… Expand

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7

bennya98Dec 28, 2013

I mostly enjoyed the Hobbit and especially the action scenes but I felt it was unnecessarily long and could have been 30 minutes shorter. The main story felt bogged down with side-plots (the Bard and the Elves) and not enough attention wasI mostly enjoyed the Hobbit and especially the action scenes but I felt it was unnecessarily long and could have been 30 minutes shorter. The main story felt bogged down with side-plots (the Bard and the Elves) and not enough attention was paid to the title character. Overall, it was an enjoyable film with impressive CGI effects but should have focused on the most important plot line.… Expand

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7

saintivanJan 26, 2014

I seem to be in the minority, but I preferred the first Hobbit movie to this installment. Outside of Smaug and the barrel chase scene, nothing of significance remains, and the rest of the movie has almost been purged from my memory though II seem to be in the minority, but I preferred the first Hobbit movie to this installment. Outside of Smaug and the barrel chase scene, nothing of significance remains, and the rest of the movie has almost been purged from my memory though I just saw it. The greatest failure of this movie is its unconvincing nature. Even Legolas gives a weak performance. Mostly it didn't feel like Tolkien at all, the magic and wonder of the Lord of the Rings movie....and briefly throughout the first Hobbit...is nearly entirely missing. It is not a bad movie, just a very average one.… Expand

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9

extremeswagdudeDec 28, 2013

I went into DOS expecting to see more plot and establishing characters and story lines, much like the first one. I was okay with that. And I was surprised on how well done this was. It has those aspects of the first film. But there was muchI went into DOS expecting to see more plot and establishing characters and story lines, much like the first one. I was okay with that. And I was surprised on how well done this was. It has those aspects of the first film. But there was much more. It establishes a love story, that is similar to a forbidden love, and adventure. This adventure takes you to places of Middle Earth you have never seen before. This has much more action, and adventure. It is amazing in 3D/… Expand

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8

NedensoruyorsunDec 28, 2013

Sağlam görsel efektler kullanılmış bence, Yönetmen Peter Jackson yine bütün yeteneklerini bu filmde göstermiş. Özellikle kullanılan Efektler çok iyi kurgulanmış...

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7

macagascarDec 29, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Desolation of Smaug picks up where its slow predecessor left off right after Bilbo discovers the Ring, and right before Thorin and company reach Erebor, the land of their forefathers.The Desolation of Smaug has been long anticipated by many this year and, in many regards, it did not disappoint fans worldwide. Yet, despite its domination in the box office, thrilling premise and great reviews, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug brought to light several aspects of The Hobbit franchise that remain lacking and rather disappointing for die-hard Lord of the Rings fans, such as myself.

As the story picks up, it grows steadily darker much like The Lord of the Rings franchise (from The Fellowship of the Ring all the way to Return of the King) and this is carefully and perfectly approached by Jackson, so that we're not completely overwhelmed by it, but can appreciate its implementation in the grander scheme of things. Overall, it was a fantastic and incredibly entertaining film.

As for acting... these actors are perfect matches for the roles that they take on. Namely, however, Martin Freeman's performance as the clueless and yet surprisingly courageous Bilbo Baggins is, once again, absolutely astounding he practically carried the film in this regard. If one hadn't seen him in any of his previous work ranging from the UK's The Office to BBC's smash hit, Sherlock they would assume that he was born for this role. No one else would have been able to play the surprisingly layered Bilbo with such sincerity. He was not only hilarious (he somehow made the scene with Smaug as laughable as it was terrifying), but captivating every time he was on the screen, I simply could not tear my eyes away from him! And his moments with the Ring sent uncomfortable shivers up my spine ("MINE").

The film's crowning glory, however, was undoubtedly the scene all Lord of the Rings fans have been waiting for the unveiling of Smaug the Terrible, self proclaimed "King Under the Mountain." Whoever designed, animated and rendered Smaug should be given a cookie every day for existing, and I'd like to thank Peter and company for keeping the design a secret before the premiere seeing Smaug for the first time was simply breathtaking. That, combined with the sultry and devilishly articulate voice of one Benedict Cumberbatch, created an adversary that was as "cool" as it was simply terrifying. The chilling game of words played between Smaug and Bilbo had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride.

The problem with The Hobbit franchise, therefore, isn't the story or the filmmaking or the acting; it's the way that the story is being approached. Lord of the Rings fans will recall the incredible, epic sagas that each of the original three films would bring near four hours of nonstop excitement, twists and character development, all leading up to the pivotal scene at Mordor. Yet, The Hobbit isn't an epic saga, nor should it be approached as one it's the story of one unassuming hobbit who joins a company of dwarfs to reclaim their homeland and slay a dragon. A to B; point blank and simple no ring to destroy and Middle Earth to save. Somehow, Peter Jackson tried to take on the entire alphabet, while moseying past more than a few key letters and relying more on action and CGI (where did the REAL men dressed up like the baddies go?) than the base story.

Most upsetting was how the characters were approached. The characters are what's key to the plot of The Hobbit or any Tolkien work, for that matter and they're crucial to the telling of any half-decent story. However, while I could name off any Lord of the Rings character and give you my opinion on them, I hardly know any of the dwarfs by name, and I never really get to see anyone's personal journey as the story progresses in any detail, anyway. Bilbo and the dwarfs are sometimes passed up in favor of thrilling (and completely unrealistic) action sequences though, while exciting, really didn't do anything for me at the end of the day.

I stand by my opinion that three films is far too much movie to be had for Bilbo and his dwarfish companions. One long, four-hour film (or maybe two films, as was the original plan) would have been perfectly suited to tackle this story in a proper way.

That being said, creative differences with Jackson and his team didn't stop me from seeing The Hobbit twice in a weekend, and do not take away from the film being one of the best adventures of the year. The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug definitely trumped its predecessor. The pace picked up, Bilbo finally got his moment to shine as "burglar," and the scene with Smaug was near flawless. It's a "must see" for any movie lover, and especially any fan of Middle Earth!… Expand

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9

leterlastDec 30, 2013

full of fighting scene and good story indeed.The story,the backgrounds,the scenes,the pictures are all almost perfect.Pull us into the soul of the film and bring us deeply to feel every moments in it.Every second drives usd to morefull of fighting scene and good story indeed.The story,the backgrounds,the scenes,the pictures are all almost perfect.Pull us into the soul of the film and bring us deeply to feel every moments in it.Every second drives usd to more excitement.Unexpected that will be as good as it.Simply,the exposition in this film is perfect.The desolator of other films in 2013!… Expand

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10

lisadel24Jan 3, 2014

Enjoyed the first film, loved the second & looking forward to the third despite it being another 12 months away! A fun, action packed film for all the family.

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10

natasha88Jan 2, 2014

I loved this movie and can't wait for it to come out on disc as well as the next one in the series! Great job. I hope it is better than the next one is even better. Please don't let us down. Make it the best.

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10

VinwondersJan 2, 2014

Fantastical to say the least! Thoroughly enjoyed this epic story come to life. In fact, never wanted it to end as it was a tour de force of story, sound and imagery. One for the cinema and will lose its luster at home.

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9

TurbodowgJan 11, 2014

I've read a few negative reviews of The Hobbit TDOS and can’t see why so many Tolkien fans dislike it? I have read the book and I feel although the film has some changes, it is still a brilliant adaptation. Peter Jackson is still the rightI've read a few negative reviews of The Hobbit TDOS and can’t see why so many Tolkien fans dislike it? I have read the book and I feel although the film has some changes, it is still a brilliant adaptation. Peter Jackson is still the right man for the job, and he has yet again made Middle Earth look fantastic. The film flows well and there are some great action sequences such as the escape from the Elves and the fight with Smaug and the Spiders in Mirkwood.

The Sets look authentic and magical. The score is enchanting and the acting is all spot on. Some CGI is a bit ropey and I'm not a great fan of Orlando Bloom leaping around grinding like he's on a skateboard, but that doesn’t spoil the whole film.

The scenes with Smaug are particularly exciting and work very well. They are intense and Smaug really is terrifying I found the film to be better paced than the first movie and I enjoyed TDOS more. The ending has a real cliffhanger that has made me really excited for the next film. So Ignore the haters and Tolkien geeks who think the books were written just for them. And go see this movie, blockbuster movie making at it's finest and a cracking fantasy adventure movie.… Expand

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7

OMGtoastyJan 3, 2014

Because I enjoyed the LotR trilogy so much its hard for me not to compare this move to it. that being said I have a few issues with this movie

My first problem is one I have with many other movies that are being made. The over use of CGI.Because I enjoyed the LotR trilogy so much its hard for me not to compare this move to it. that being said I have a few issues with this movie

My first problem is one I have with many other movies that are being made. The over use of CGI. The lord of the rings spent the extra money to get people dressed as orcs in big battle scenes. the CGI was done very well and It all felt somewhat real. That is quite the opposite for the hobbit. For example, there is a scene where the dwarves are in barrels going down a river trying to escape from orcs while Legolas is massacring the orcs. The CGI is so heave that there is no realism. Legolas' character looks terrible imo. The scene was intertaining, but no where near as good at what I saw in LotR.

My other problem is the final scene. It went from intense action to....nothing. It felt like the scene was cut in half and left us with a giant cliff hanger. The second half of the scene will be the start of the next movie, which sucks.

I can't say I didn't enjoy this movie. The fights were decent, despite the CGI madness. The acting was amazing. My favorite dialogue was with Smaug. Overall I would recommend this movie to everyone, as long as they don't mind CGI.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

BrinncdeewhyJan 7, 2014

this a very indulgent, expressive, and well choreographed piece of work. The chemistry between the actors is more than acceptable Even with the dragon who was a fantastic treat. I'd say for the second installment to the hobbit series, its athis a very indulgent, expressive, and well choreographed piece of work. The chemistry between the actors is more than acceptable Even with the dragon who was a fantastic treat. I'd say for the second installment to the hobbit series, its a more then watchable delight.… Expand

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8

Leo9127Jan 16, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Holy Sh*t was this movie awesome, I mean Smaug was so cool, and it was less boring than the first, and It leaves wanting for more thanks to the Cliffhanger ending, but it does have it's flaws, like straying too far from the book, the pacing it's still a little off, but ironically, I actually enjoyed the part I thought I would hate, the character of Tauriel, who was actually Bad ass, but her romance with one of the dwarfs still felt forced, and awkward, but overall though this movie was great, but not as good as The Lord of the Rings, but still pretty good on it's on right.… Expand

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8

DanielGrozaJan 16, 2014

A really enjoyable movie that has it all: action, adventure, humor,drama and even a small romance. The fact that Peter Jackson did not stay completely true to Tolkien's book, is a very brave and admirable thing. Obviously, it's worse than TheA really enjoyable movie that has it all: action, adventure, humor,drama and even a small romance. The fact that Peter Jackson did not stay completely true to Tolkien's book, is a very brave and admirable thing. Obviously, it's worse than The Lord of the Rings, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. The visual effects are top notch, especially the dragon Smaug which was incredibly detailed.

Although the movie takes us to many new and beautiful designed locations, you really cannot feel like you really care about them. The hobbit 'gang' are thrown from one place to another, each with one different character to another, and only when they get to the mountain you feel excited.

Still, 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' is a very good movie. Sure it's not better that 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, but that doesn't mean it's bad.… Expand

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7

jackophantJan 25, 2014

Not a bad movie, not a great one. Desolation of Smaug is in between which is exactly what's wrong with it. This is a sequel, it has no real beginning nor end. It just kind of starts, runs for a few of hours and then fades to black. ThoseNot a bad movie, not a great one. Desolation of Smaug is in between which is exactly what's wrong with it. This is a sequel, it has no real beginning nor end. It just kind of starts, runs for a few of hours and then fades to black. Those few hours are enjoyable, even if they are plagued by some of Jackson's eccentricities, mainly the extremely long and over stylized fight sequences. The dwarves are back and as goofily likeable as ever. Bilbo Baggins is... somewhere. For a movie called "The Hobbit" the only hobbit in the film has very little to say or do until the end where we finally get to meet the dragon we've heard so much about. And Smaug does not disappoint. These Tolkien films have a great way of making cgi characters stand out and Smaug is no different. Voiced by the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch, Smaug is by far the best and most memorable part of the movie. Smaug is terrifyingly captivating, more grandeur than I had ever imagined from the books. Just as we meet him and the movie starts to get good, it ends. I see myself liking this movie much more after the third one come's out but as of now, it just left me unfulfilled.… Expand

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7

BomarJrJan 20, 2014

The best Tolkien "Fan-fiction" to ever hit the big screen. Unlike most critics, I ADORED the first Hobbit film, because it captured the playfulness, and awe of the original work beautifully. This second film downplays all the tones and it'sThe best Tolkien "Fan-fiction" to ever hit the big screen. Unlike most critics, I ADORED the first Hobbit film, because it captured the playfulness, and awe of the original work beautifully. This second film downplays all the tones and it's main characters for the sake of adding completely non-canon content that was in the story like Azog the Goblin and Legolas. The saving grace for me was the fact that it brought more action, and Smaug. Bennedict Cumberbatch as Smaug was brilliant, and terrifying.… Expand

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7

komarhomesterFeb 8, 2014

The second part of one The Hobbit book.
As a amateur of J.R.R. Tolkien I have read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Ring little bit more than once. That mean, that I little bit know what had happened in real book.
Trilogy of The Lord of the RingThe second part of one The Hobbit book.
As a amateur of J.R.R. Tolkien I have read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Ring little bit more than once. That mean, that I little bit know what had happened in real book.
Trilogy of The Lord of the Ring I understand, that is logical, but 3 parts of The Hobbit is abundant, yep crisis in Hollywood is and anyone can understand that, but that is so vulgar try to make money from nothing.
I'm okay when movie and book have differences and in movie add some new aspects, that is normal that is understandable till new things are logical.
Movie is incised and include a lot of sharp jumps to the new sciences.
I really enjoyed the first part of The Hobbit
The second one, I would not recommend to my friend to see. Nothing interesting.
ordinary Score...… Expand

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10

MarmaladeOvenJan 23, 2014

Nothing was overly dramatized, the scenery was amazing, and the music was beautiful. Great acting, epic fight scenes, and they've added new depths to the characters.

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8

Laekerson95Jan 23, 2014

Just imagine, one whole 3-hour Hobbit movie with the trolls, Rivendel, Gollum, the Spiders, the Woodland Elves, the Barrels, Laketown, Smaug, and the final battle. Could you imagine. JAckson has it. He captures Middle Earth and the belovedJust imagine, one whole 3-hour Hobbit movie with the trolls, Rivendel, Gollum, the Spiders, the Woodland Elves, the Barrels, Laketown, Smaug, and the final battle. Could you imagine. JAckson has it. He captures Middle Earth and the beloved tale of THe Hobbit as I pictured it to be 8 years ago. But sequences are time-dragged where they don't need to be. Constant reminders of character backgrounds is unnecessary. Where's Bilbo's backstory 'cause I could do a 15-page paper on Thorin. Remember all the backstory they gave LEgolas and Aragorn and Gimli in The Lord of the RIngs? Of course not, 'cause there didn't need to be. The mystery is the page-turner for viewers. Nevertheless, in this the pace crescendos, a wondrous love story draws in better character and a tearing score, and the intensity spine-tingles of SMAUG!! Holy mother of Middle Earth. Reminded me of the identical-looking horror dragon of my childhood dreams. There's annoyed-yawn moments, but it's a park blast worth another go and a perfect Christmas blockbuster to sit back and drink steamed milk to with the snow lightly covering the land. Now we gotta wait a whole year for part III after it's Breaking Bad-like finish.… Expand

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7

LordOfTheFilmsJan 25, 2014

This movie shows an incredible description of Tolkien`s fantasy universe, and once again we get thrown into Middle - Earth to experience great character developments and action sequences. The second chapter of a trilogy is often the mostThis movie shows an incredible description of Tolkien`s fantasy universe, and once again we get thrown into Middle - Earth to experience great character developments and action sequences. The second chapter of a trilogy is often the most difficult to make, but Peter Jackson and his crew have taken the right decisions all the way and in my opinion The desolation of Smaug leaves the impression of being better than the first chapter of the trilogy, as the story takes a darker turn. Smaug himself enters the story as one of the most remarkable movie villains of all time, he`s a perfect example of evil and its greediness, in great contrast with little Bilbo who tries his best to survive through dark environments.… Expand

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10

DocsisFeb 1, 2014

A must see! I think ALL of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies are incredible! I can't wait for the final Hobbit next Christmas.. but then I will be sad that they are over,

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9

GustavoKFeb 11, 2014

Hobbit 2 is about a mission where dwarves want to take the mountain and the gold back, because in the past the dragon took it from them.

The battles are very cool and there is lots of action in te entire movie.

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9

DrewtheDude85Mar 29, 2014

I did actually like the first Hobbit movie, despite what some may say, but Desolation of Smaug was amazing! The first few minutes were a little bit bland, but it picked up really fast. The action in this film was really good; it would getI did actually like the first Hobbit movie, despite what some may say, but Desolation of Smaug was amazing! The first few minutes were a little bit bland, but it picked up really fast. The action in this film was really good; it would get very fast paced and epic and it was just a lot of fun, I especially love the barrel scene. The scenes with Smaug were also great however I did kind-of got my groove threw off at the ending due to it having a huge cliffhanger, but overall this was a very good film and I look forward to There and Back Again when that comes out later this year.… Expand

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9

Viper8787Apr 18, 2014

A really good action movie. I thought this one was way better than the first one. Smaug was casted and played awesomely. It did have a really long run time but I don't fell that any of the scenes were un needed. Great job with this movie.

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8

robertoiglesiasMay 21, 2020

I think it's a big improvement over The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, or as I like to call An Unexpected Filler. This film is a little overlong, but I still enjoyed it. 7.5/10

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9

merijnjFeb 21, 2018

(87/100)
Stunning CGI and very exciting action sequences. Thrilling end too.

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8

TokyochuchuJul 13, 2014

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a really awesome LotR movie. It feels significantly fresher than 'An Unexpected Journey' but also retains that films delightful fairy-tale edge. And Smaug himself was a fantastic creation. More please!

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7

dharmaMay 30, 2014

Still a cash grab in my opinion, but a well made one. Of course, the dragon delivers with great effects and all, but the pacing is off and it moves too slow, until the next exciting set pieces that is.

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7

beingryanjudeSep 3, 2014

I'll admit being one of the first to criticize stretching The Hobbit into thirds. That would mean this middle chapter was complete rubbish. The Desolation of Smaug is both an achievement on its own as well as a bridge into the final installment.

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7

potatoes351Nov 22, 2015

Peter Jackson's 2nd part in his trilogy of films based around The Hobbit and extended Lord of the Rings fiction is considered by many to be the highlight of the prequel trilogy, whilst this rings true for some sequences of Desolation ofPeter Jackson's 2nd part in his trilogy of films based around The Hobbit and extended Lord of the Rings fiction is considered by many to be the highlight of the prequel trilogy, whilst this rings true for some sequences of Desolation of Smaug, the product as a whole is on par with An Unexpected Journey in many respects.
Continuing the story of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he, Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) and a band of dwarves travel across Middle Earth to reach the Lonely Mountain, a former dwarven city that 60 years previous had been claimed by a dragon called Smaug. Now with the mountain in sight, the journey begins it's final stages as the group of travellers travel through enchanted forests, elf & human settlements and ultimately come face to face with Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) himself.
The Desolation of Smaug is easy to summarise in one sentence; great opening, solid ending, wobbly middle. DoS opens with an action scene closely followed by a tense and mind bending scene set in an enchanted forest, however upon arriving at the elven settlement the film takes a nose dive into boredom for over an hour until we eventually reach the Lonely Mountain. Even then, the scenes with Bilbo & Smaug are far greater than the scenes that cut away to show what the rest of the group in either the human settlement or outside the mountain are doing.
Much like An Unexpected Journey, DoS is filmed in 3D and at 48FPS and personally the film uses them to much greater strengths than AUJ ever did. However the problem with crappy CGI is still present in DoS as it was in AUJ. Smaug is the exception to this statement however, being one of the most fearsome and highly detailed creatures in the entire Peter Jackson Middle Earth saga.
Desolation of Smaug is a solidly entertaining fantasy action film, though it again fails to meet the expectations set by the Lord of the Rings trilogy and barely surpasses the previous film in terms of quality. Plus was there any point of Legolas in this movie other than to provide pointless fan service and a below average sub-plot with little depth or meaning to the overall story? No...I din't think so.… Expand

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9

Jack97Dec 16, 2016

Desolation of Smaug improves on An Unexpected Journey's shortcomings. The pacing is much better thus the film never drags, the CGI is mostly excellent but especially Smaug the dragon which is one of the greatest motion-capture/CGI creationsDesolation of Smaug improves on An Unexpected Journey's shortcomings. The pacing is much better thus the film never drags, the CGI is mostly excellent but especially Smaug the dragon which is one of the greatest motion-capture/CGI creations to grace the big screen. On top of all of that the film is very exciting which always helps. Easily the best of The Hobbit trilogy.… Expand

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8

BshopAug 16, 2014

Better than the first one by a long shot. I enjoyed every scene, except the ones with the Bard (who seems mild-mannered and not too leader-esque) and the barrel-river scene (which also was a bit long and somewhat ridiculous), but I digress.Better than the first one by a long shot. I enjoyed every scene, except the ones with the Bard (who seems mild-mannered and not too leader-esque) and the barrel-river scene (which also was a bit long and somewhat ridiculous), but I digress.
From Lonely Mountain on it was a great show indeed. Can't wait for the Battle of Five Armies.
In summary, rent if you can. Buy if you like the LOTR and Peter Jackson/Tolkien series thus far. 3D not really worth the price honestly.… Expand

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7

Iky009Jun 3, 2015

On the first beat a little, but the many fault corrected Serém, plus the second chapter of The Hobbit is fun ... . .

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8

TrilobiteGJul 20, 2015

Ah yes, the best movie out of the Hobbit Trilogy. What an adventure! From start to finish it was just action, action and more incredible action. This movie is better than it's previous because the dialogue (although some of it unnecessary) isAh yes, the best movie out of the Hobbit Trilogy. What an adventure! From start to finish it was just action, action and more incredible action. This movie is better than it's previous because the dialogue (although some of it unnecessary) is cut down magnitudes less than the predecessor. And of course Smaug, what a villain, actually intriguing dialogue with a sinister presence whilst watching it, props to Cumber batch because that was amazing. Best one!… Expand

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9

bradtheman123Jun 12, 2014

I don't understand how this got a bad metascore. I think this was better than the first because it was full of so much action and suspense. Not only was it almost just like the book but it actually portrayed it. The best part was by far whenI don't understand how this got a bad metascore. I think this was better than the first because it was full of so much action and suspense. Not only was it almost just like the book but it actually portrayed it. The best part was by far when he was in the palace with all the gold and treasure trying to find the special crystal. Then when the dragon woke up and it was learking around looking for him, it was talking to him saying things like, "I can smell you", and "Come out come out wherever you are." And at that point it just had so much suspense and actually wowed me.… Expand

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8

vlahoponMay 16, 2014

Good movie but still far away from LOTR . Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing as Smaug's voice . The only problem with this movie is the elf-dwarf love story

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8

callumjsouthDec 13, 2014

An Unexpected Journey eased us into the story of Bilbo Baggins which did have merits. The Desolation of Smaug takes a different path and throws us in amongst it all, which makes it a more significant and more entertaining chapter. The questAn Unexpected Journey eased us into the story of Bilbo Baggins which did have merits. The Desolation of Smaug takes a different path and throws us in amongst it all, which makes it a more significant and more entertaining chapter. The quest to the Lonely Mountain continues and concludes in epic fashion. The story is breathlessly told just as any great fantasy story should be. The lack of quantitative source material begins to become a positive in the second instalment, as the film feels well paced and appropriately long. The pacing of the film allows it to flow well which enhances the story's presentation. As a result, the plot never feels stop-go or overly congested like the LOTR trilogy did. Nor does it feel too bare like An Unexpected Journey. The Desolation of Smaug is home to well paced plot development, many strong characters and ever present danger which is complimented by some very convincing antagonists. All of which allow for a thoroughly entertaining and impressively compelling film.… Expand

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8

TheApplegnomeDec 9, 2014

This second installment of The Hobbit is greater in almost every aspect. Unfortunately that does not include CGI.

This is the second installment of the new trilogy in our beloved Middle-earth. It quite spectacular when you see the extendedThis second installment of The Hobbit is greater in almost every aspect. Unfortunately that does not include CGI.

This is the second installment of the new trilogy in our beloved Middle-earth. It quite spectacular when you see the extended version, and you realize how big the franchise really is. It got so much extra material and things that really connect all the Middle-earth films together. The biggest thing with this movie is that it got much more action than in An Unexpected Journey, especially when it comes to Smaug and “The Necromancer”. Some of the action sequences though, are boring. There’s just nothing unique with them. But there are much more unique and epic scenes, that I can tell you! Therefor it feels much more like Lord of the Rings. The plot is very entertaining and last act of the film is superb. You really want to see the continuation. The characters in The Desolation of Smaug are very good, and combined with an awesome cast like in An unexpected Journey: do I really have high expectations of The Battle of The five Armies. But the thing with this trilogy is that the CGI is very odd. In this film are the CGI very good when it comes to Orcs and Smaug. But at the same time is there much terrible and awful CGI when it comes to natural objects. It didn’t feel real at all. There’s also a big mix of CGI and real recorded scenes. They aren’t working well together. There are much dark scenes; witch didn't work well while using 3D-glasses. The computer-generated light that’s included in some parts in the movie is also terrible.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is much better than the previous film in this new trilogy. The action is greater, better music and a lot more LotR-feeling. But the movie is a bit slow at some places, and the CGI are just terrible sometimes.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug gets an 8/10.… Expand

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7

MortimerJan 25, 2014

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug sequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Peter Jackson took great as always, a beautiful fantasy. The film proved to be a more sombre colors. We were shown the dark side of the heroes. Smaug turnedThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug sequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Peter Jackson took great as always, a beautiful fantasy. The film proved to be a more sombre colors. We were shown the dark side of the heroes. Smaug turned simultaneously scary and sweet. In The Desolation Smaug was more action adventure.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug great Fantasy with soundtrack good and beautiful special effects.… Expand

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8

oDjentoJan 3, 2015

I'll just do a short review for this. Definitely the best out of the 3, with the best pacing, and more characters getting to do things for themselves and not just being there (like dwarves just standing doing nothing in other films). FramingI'll just do a short review for this. Definitely the best out of the 3, with the best pacing, and more characters getting to do things for themselves and not just being there (like dwarves just standing doing nothing in other films). Framing is a bit off as well (dragon stutters in one shot). The film was great as it had 3 main focus points in the film to distinguish itself nicely: 1st half make the dwarfs the main focus, making a bit more character development, the 2nd half being focused on bilbo and the excellent encounter he has with smaug (favourite scene easily!). Then the sub plot is gandalf going to find out what is happening at Don Guldor. This one was as close as it came to the LOTR trilogy, but still just missed it's quality. A slightly darker tone than the previous film and just overall made far better. In retrospect, they could've done this trilogy in two films to miss out all the bull **** they have!… Expand

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9

MagicManRAWJun 30, 2014

I don't know if I am just getting used to the storyline of Middle Earth, because this one seemed a bit tired with that been there done that theme. I take away one point. Largely a very entertaining film and large quality. Love all the newI don't know if I am just getting used to the storyline of Middle Earth, because this one seemed a bit tired with that been there done that theme. I take away one point. Largely a very entertaining film and large quality. Love all the new elements not in the book. I cant wait for the third one.… Expand

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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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