Despite Some Flaws, A Satisfying End!

Rating: 7/10 (20 January 2015)

The third and final installment in the three-part film adaptation based on the novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' is A Satisfying End to a highly impressive trilogy. Peter Jackson & Team, give us a dark, yet bombastic action extravagant!
'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' Synopsis: Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness.
At a 144-minutes, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' is filled with moments of drama & spectacular action-sequences. The Graphics are beyond awesome & the stunts are astounding. I was mesmerized by the film's second-hour, because once the action sets in, you can't move from your seat.
Having said that, the first-hour of the film is a mighty bore! Slow & Dull, Jackson's third installment falls short on this count. A stronger, faster first-hour would have done no harm!
Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro & Jackson's Adapted Screenplay lacks meat for the entire first-hour, but becomes heart-pounding later on. Jackson's Direction is eye-filling. Cinematography & Editing are decent. Graphics are simply awesome. Costume Design & Make-Up are good, too.
Performance-Wise: The Wonderful Martin Freeman as the lovable Bilbo Baggins, scores yet again. Sir Ian McKellen is as gripping as ever as Gandalf. Richard Armitage gives a far more serious approach to Thorin this time around, but its an impressive one. And Luke Evans steals the show as the heroic Bard the Bowman. The rest of the ensemble, pitch in credible work, as well.
On the whole, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' is surely fun, but not without its flaws. Nonetheless, A Satisfying End!