The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D
(2013)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.... More
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.Hide
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Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Graham McTavish
Written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson (based on the novel 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R Tolkien)
Flicks Review
BY Liam Maguren Flicks Writer
Without the 40 minute set-up of irritating character introductions that halted An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug falls more in line with Part 1’s more riveting second and third acts. The 161 minute running time feels more like a 100m sprint than a marathon, making this middle chapter of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit the most accessible addition to the Middle Earth saga.... More
The dwarves are given greater chances to stamp their significance in the cavalcade. Balin’s constant display of wisdom is a counterweight to Thorin’s aggressive passion to regain the lost kingdom from Smaug while Kili’s romantic subplot with Elvin warrior Tauriel shows the start of potential ties between the two conflicting races. Bombur also becomes a badass-in-a-barrel during a river chase sequence which is easily one of the most inventive action set pieces I’ve seen all year. Despite this much-needed character distinction, there’s little camaraderie between the dwarves and the underdog Hobbit throughout the majority of the film – especially given the number of times Bilbo busts his butt to save them all.
However, the highlight of the prequel trilogy thus far comes where it’s most needed: with the reveal of Smaug. From the opening compositions that tease a shot of a tail or an eyeball to sweeping camera movements that reveal all, Jackson achieves a magnificent and gradual sense of enormity to the beast, perfectly complemented by Benedict Cumberbatch’s eloquent and terrifying vocal talents. In high frame rate, Smaug is consistently awe-inspiring to behold – a surprising feat when most of Desolation’s CGI elements nestle in awkward uncanniness with the 48 frame bump.Hide
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D
BY CJRedshaw superstar
Brilliant, just a shame that the excellence of these films are not getting the recognition
they deserve only due to the long drawn out nature of the collection. There are elements
of humor, sadness, action and suspense what else could you ask for?!?! Another great addition to the tale bring on the next one!!!
BY Dan-Thompson superstar
Being a Kiwi, you feel slightly obligated to watch these films. For me, the first Hobbit film was long and dull - this one is long (enough to start hating the cinema seat), but it's action packed and a lot of fun. Tauriel's a great addition.
BY Robb-Morison superstar
Moved along at a better pace than the first movie, no underlying heavy meanings in this one. It's all about the action and a big ass dragon. Next one should be good.
BY RealityCheck superstar
The second in the trilogy (but 3rd will be split to make 4 in total), all from a single 310page book! Peter Jackson is amazing, as this film really hipes me up for the next. Took me a rollercoaster emotional ride, the ever empending ending seemed forever away, yet nearly ended 3-4times! For a flick nearly 3hrs long, it still held my attention. Loved most of the acting, all the scenery and again I still feel the HDR is like a kid running around with a... More HandyCam.
Genre : Adventure, book, family, fantasy
5/5 : not just because it's NZ film (with Wingnut, Peter Jackson, etc) but also with Guillermo del Toro! Totally worth a watch.Hide
The Press Reviews
75%
of critics recommend.
Rotten Tomatoes Score. More reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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. Full Review
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. Full Review
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. Full Review
This robust, action-packed adventure benefits from a headier sense of forward momentum and a steady stream of 3D-enhanced thrills. Full Review
Despite suffering from middle-act wobbles... nevertheless delivers rousing action, incredible visuals and one stupendous dragon. Full Review
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. Full Review
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
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