Variety
This robust, action-packed adventure benefits from a headier sense of forward momentum and a steady stream of 3D-enhanced thrills.
Full review
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D
Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth continues with part two of his three-part, 3D adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Young Bilbo (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), legendary warrior Thorin Oakensheild (Richard Armitage) and a posse of 13 dwarves journey to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.
Having passed the Lonely Mountain and the goblin tunnels, the cavalcade must now traverse spider-infested forests, the lands of the unforgiving Elves and a poverty-stricken lakeside town on the verge of political collapse. But in the very mountain kingdom the dwarves are trying to reclaim, Bilbo’s greatest challenge lies dormant: the almighty dragon Smaug.
2013Rating: M, Violence161 minsUSA, New Zealand
AdventureFantasy3D
- Director:
- Peter Jackson ('Lord of the Rings' trilogy, 'King Kong', 'Meet The Feebles')
- Writer:
- Fran WalshPhilippa BoyensGuillermo del ToroPeter Jackson
- Cast:
- Martin FreemanIan McKellenAndy SerkisCate BlanchettChristopher LeeElijah WoodRichard ArmitageOrlando BloomHugo WeavingGraham McTavish
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D / Reviews
Total Film
Despite suffering from middle-act wobbles... nevertheless delivers rousing action, incredible visuals and one stupendous dragon.
Full reviewTime Out
Exhaustion has set in by the time Bilbo and his friends encounter Smaug... so it's a good thing that that's when Jackson goes full bore with the adrenalizing, digitally augmented braggadocio.
Full review
The Guardian
The Desolation of Smaug is a cheerfully entertaining and exhilarating adventure tale, a supercharged Saturday morning picture: it's mysterious and strange and yet Jackson also effortlessly conjures up that genial quality that distinguishes The Hobbit from the more solemn Rings stories.
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The Dissolve
Unnecessarily sprawling... It’s hard to fight the feeling that The Hobbit simply isn’t an epic story, and the efforts to expand it into one leave it feeling like an anvil crammed into a sock.
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Hollywood Reporter
After exhibiting an almost craven fidelity to his source material the first time out, Jackson gets the drama in gear here from the outset with a sense of storytelling that possesses palpable energy and purpose.
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Empire Magazine
Middle-earth's got its mojo back. A huge improvement on the previous installment, this takes our adventurers into uncharted territory and delivers spectacle by the ton.
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