Should you watch this in 3D? If you have the chance to.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? None.
Running time: 161 minutes (~ 2.5 hours)
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is a fantasy movie, the second installment in a tightly connected trilogy based on the “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien. It follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, the titular Hobbit in the title, and his non-human friends (elves, dwarves, wizards [wizards are not humans]) as they seek to recover an ancient treasure protected by an evil dragon called Smaug. The title of the movie could also be “Bilbo Baggins: The Desolation of the Dragon” but I guess Smaug sounds cooler. It stars Ian McKellen, Evangeline Lily, Orlando Bloom, Benedict Cumbernatch, and Martin Freeman.
I liked it. Of course I would like it. I also read “The Hobbit” many moons ago. It’s not as long as other Middle Earth movies, it has plenty of action and wonderful scenery, and it’s fantasy – dungeons, dragons, elves, dwarves, magic, castles, treasure, all check.
(Image from Collider)
From a script perspective – nothing is overexplained (why would you need to?) and everyone is properly motivated to do what they do. It all makes sense within the context of the universe, and although it ends on a cliffhanger, the plot has a proper conclusion and resolution.
So what’s good about “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?”
(Image from Geek Nutz)
Action
There’s an elaborate set-piece in the middle of the film which could have been the mangled mess that “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” did with that wheel and Jack Sparrow and all – but didn’t.
Instead, the central action sequence served to highlight why our heroes are more than capable of fulfilling their quest thanks to their skills and abilities (I’m talking about dwarves here). And of course, there is Legolas fan service.
(Image from Collider)
Continuity nods to LOTR
Geeks are generally slaves of continuity porn. So it’s no surprise that “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” has it in spades, giving nods to LOTR, explaining the origins of names, and basically doing a set up in a much better fashion than the Star Wars prequels did. If you’re not an LOTR enthusiast, no worries – the continuity bits don’t detract from the film proper.
(Image from Collider)
Bilbo’s character development
You get to see two things – Bilbo’s character development (he’s far less whiny than in the first movie, and in fact inspires the dwarves to continue on their quest), and also the effects of the One Ring on Bilbo. His emerging heroism is contrasted with the corruption of his character by the One Ring, which serves to give Bilbo a lot of interesting depth as a character.
(Image from FunCheapSF)
Smaug
He’s big, red, and fiery. He’s a dragon that speaks with the eloquence of an elegant maniac. I fail to see why anyone would not like Smaug. He also expresses and emotes pretty well for a digital dragon, and that coupled with his voice performance makes Smaug an interesting creature to watch.
(Image from Collider)
Douchebag elves
Especially Legolas at the beginning. He sneers so much he could be considered one of the supporting villains if you fall asleep halfway. It’s very humanising to see the pinnacle of physical perfection lack any sort of moral fiber at all.
But really, it’s just amusing to see douchebag elves.
(Image from Collider)
But surely there’s some imperfection in this movie, right? It’s not going to be lauded as the ultimate theatrical extravaganza to watch for decades to come, is it? So here it is.
It’s long
It doesn’t feel long though. But yes, your butt will feel it after the movie.
Sauron’s cheesy appearance
When Sauron first makes his definitive, unmistakable appearance, you get treated to a special effect that has not seen the light of day since I was a foetus. My viewing partner was a little troubled that something that existed many decades ago would be used as an effect here.
(Image from Collider)
Yes, watch “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and the prequel if you haven’t. And then wait a painful year for the third movie to be out. If it helps, there are lots of awesome Lego sets for “The Hobbit” that will get you through the next 365 days.
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