Wednesday 18 December 2013

Film: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

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.

4 comments:

  1. Yes, literally crying out - my wife shouted when it ended.
    Thought it was excellent. Didn't bother me one bit it doesn't follow the book exactly. Excellent film.

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  2. 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.

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  3. I so want to see this! But nobody to go with. Boo.

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  4. Glad you guys enjoyed it too.
    Jennifer, 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.

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