A Really Great Movie, to end a Very Good Trilogy!

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2014)

"The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies" concludes "The Hobbit" Trilogy – 3 Movies based on 1 Book, a prequel to "The Lord of The Rings" Trilogy of books, made into 3 movies prior to the Prequel Trilogy – The Books all written by J. R. R Tolken, all the films Directed by Director Peter Jackson. The movie picks up where the last one - "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" left off - with the Dragon "Smaug", voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, about to attack the city of Laketown, after his departure from the Lonely Mountain, now reclaimed by the Dwarfs, led by "Thorin", played by Richard Armitage. The Dwarfs have been aided by among others, the Hobbit "Bilbo Baggins", played by Martin Freeman, the Wizard "Gandalf the Grey", played by Sir Ian McKellan (reprising his role from the LOTR Trilogy), and Elves "Legolas", played by Orlando Bloom (also reprising his role from the LOTR Trilogy), "Tauriel", played by Evangeline Lily, and Lakestown resident "Bard the Bowman", played by Luke Evans. Overall – I enjoyed the movie very much. The Visual Effects and Cinematography are wonderful. The Battle scenes are a joy. Emotions are often stirred, by great acting, particularly in the love triangle relationship of Lily's "Tauriel", Dwarf "Kili", played by Aidan Turner, and Bloom's "Legolos". Other highlights for the acting would be the journey the character of "Thorin" takes, as well Freeman and McKellan's performances of "Bilbo" and "Gandalf" the Grey respectively, continuing to fight to bring everyone together for the battle that centers the 2nd Half of the Movie. Luke Evan's also gives a great performance as "Bard the Bowman" - a man trying to save his family, and lead his townspeople at the same time, as well as attempting to keep the peace by all to avoid War during the 1st half of the movie. There are a few moments that maybe could have been improved, but it doesn't hurt much for the overall enjoyment. I thought the first movie, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" was alright, and I really liked "The Hobitt: The Desolation of Smaug". So – a really great movie to end a very good trilogy – 3 ½ out of 4 Stars.