A Reasonably Effective Conclusion To The Franchise

Rating: 7/10 (3 January 2015)

A few things to note before I muster up the energy to write a full-blown review.
-Legolas is a god and is absolutely hilarious in this film
-Thorin's development is initially far too sudden, but evens out as the film goes on. By the end, his arc is understandable and well done.
-Howard Shore's score is incredible; a great improvement over the far less impressive The Desolation of Smaug score
-The love story which I actually loved in the previous film is so utterly cringe-worthy that I could barely watch whenever it was brought up.
-That said, the final scene with Tauriel and Kili is incredible and beautifully constructed.
-The visual effects are not as good as they were in The Desolation of Smaug. Whereas in Desolation the visual effects shots had clear grandeur to them, Jackson and Co. dress much of Erebor up with strange pink and grey colouring, as well as distracting smog.
-That said, the character models and large-scale battle scenes are incredible. The orcs looked fantastic (particularly Azog), the interior of Erebor is vast and huge, and Smaug once again looks suitably brilliant.
-For once, an action director who is willing to hold the shot, and keep from cutting every single hit. The battles and individuals fights are sometimes slightly incoherent, but enjoyable nonetheless
-The best opening scene from a film in 2014. The destruction of Lake- Town is harrowing, brilliantly filmed and utterly breathtaking.
-Stupid comedic relief from the Lake-Town Master's deputy is stupid. Burn it with fire.
-I reiterate, because it's fantastic: Legolas is a god, and I could not for one second (nor could those who accompanied me for the screening) take him serious in battle.
-The first act builds up the characters and their arcs brilliantly. Luke Evans shines in these opening scenes.
-The second act is lacking and oft-times boring. Too many boring battle scenes that contain no peril, discussions between people that feel repetitive, and stupid character tropes.
-The third act ties into The Lord of the Rings, whilst maintaining the emotion and scope of The Hobbit films, concluding the majority of the character's stories.
-Bard doesn't get a memorable or definitive resolution. This is an issue.
-Jackson's cinematography, as always, is gorgeous. Even if you hate his use of visual effects, you can't doubt that he has gotten better with his camera-work since The Lord of the Rings, utilizing close-ups rarely and swinging his camera with purpose, instead of idly.
-Much of the comedy is fantastic, apart that from the aforementioned Lake-Town deputy.
-I have to say it once more: Legolas can not be killed.
-The performances are all exceptional, even if some of the dialogue is slightly shoddy.
-The sound design is fantastic as always, and for once, there are no Wilhelm screams! (there was one in Desolation by the way, in the Extended Edition, during the Thrain scene)
-The costumes, make-up and props are award-worthy. Brilliant work once again from all those involved.
Ultimately, Jackson brought me to another world, and made me enjoy much of my time there. I can't wait to experience this film alongside both of the other Hobbit pictures, as well as The Lord of the Rings films, as the ending literally ties into the beginning of Fellowship.
Congratulations Peter Jackson and all those who have collaborated to bring this amazing vision to the screen. A fantastic but nevertheless faulted ride.