Decent but disappointing

Rating: 4/10 (15 December 2014)

I have been a huge LOTR and Tolkien fun for as long as I can remember. I want to start this review with this question: Since when has the LOTR and Tolkien fun-base become a 15-year-old dominion?
The film's major problem was that it targeted 15-year-old people who would normally watch reality TV. Of course I am referring to all the Tauriel-Dwarf relationship. What was that all about? Seriously? An elvish war-princess saying things like: "why does it hurt so much"? Simply unacceptable Mr Jackson. And then having the elven king replying: "Because it was real". They met for one night, exchanged perhaps 3 looks and next thing you know they are in love. Pathetic. No need to mention that this totally undermines Tolkien's conception of elves-dwarfs relationship.
CGI was also very excessive. In stark contrast to LOTR authenticity, orcs and "evil" things were completely CGI-ised to not such a good effect. Also, this battle lacked the 'dark' and ominous feelings we got with Helm's Deep. Orcs were not evil at all, rather funny things that could be banged on with a Dwarf's bear head.
The film also felt like it did not resolve issues. The film's best scene with the White Council battling Sauron was not resolved, neither did we get to find out what happened with Lake-Town. Who became king under the mountain? What happened with the elves? Did they get their treasure? We simply do not know. Was the budget reduced at the last minute?
The film was saved by Martin Freeman's acting and the battle scenes (excluding the ridiculous 'comedy relief' parts). Also the White Council scene was amazing.
Mr Jackson has failed to live up to his reputation and created a rather harshly done trilogy (did not put in enough effort/attention), having more in mind to sell rather that create a worthy instalment to Middle Earth.