Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) continues his quest to help The Dwarves get
their homeland back from the fearsome Dragon Smaug in the second part of Peter
Jackson’s trilogy.
Jackson’s face is the first on camera as he makes a fleeting appearance
before we move on with the tale. Two thirds of the film is a chase movie with
the evil Orcs on the trail of Bilbo and the gang who are helped this time out by
Elves Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly). There are some fantastic fight
scenes as the Orcs catch up with their quarry several times prior to the film’s
glorious climax in Smaug’s lair.
Voiced brilliantly by Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness) Smaug
is a wonderful addiction to this series and more than makes up for the absent
Gollum. At no moment do you doubt the validity of a talking Dragon, such is the
atmosphere created. The fire-breathing is fantastic too and the battle between
Dwarves and Dragon is absolutely terrific.
I had my doubts about this but thankfully The Hobbit: The Desolation Of
Smaug exceeds expectations and leaves the viewer crying out for the final
instalment.
Ric’s Rating: Essential.
Yes, literally crying out - my wife shouted when it ended.
ReplyDeleteThought it was excellent. Didn't bother me one bit it doesn't follow the book exactly. Excellent film.
Couldn't agree more. Great, succinct review. Easily one of my favorite movies of the year and that's coming from someone who didn't even have last year's Hobbit in my Top 10.
ReplyDeleteI so want to see this! But nobody to go with. Boo.
ReplyDeleteGlad you guys enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you should just go on your own. There is a social stigma attached to that here in the UK but if I want to see something that nobody else does I just go when I know the cinema will be quiet. Go on, go for it.