Keeps Getting Better

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2014)

Contrary to popular opinion I actually liked The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey, I no it had some tempo issues but in all honesty as a Tolkien fan I easily overlooked it. However, The Desolation of Smaug starts off more or less right where it left off and certainly proceeds at an entertaining pace. Bilbo (Martin Freeman) witnesses the ferocious beast Beorn who looks pretty spectacular on screen. The party then make for Mirkwood forest, a dangerous and ominous route on their quest.
Their journey through the forest has plenty of action as the party of travellers are tormented by the forest and battle against giant spiders. During their dark, dank walk through Mirkwood, Bilbo climbs a tree popping his head above them into a sea of autumn leaves and fluttering butterflies. He inhales the warm fresh air as the reassuring sun shines upon his face. It's a beautiful scene and despite perhaps a lack of narrative explaining the journey these sort of scenes manifest it clearly. They eventually run into a group of woodland elves and once again the hobbit makes use of his magic ring to their advantage.
The viewer has the pleasure of seeing a tremendous barrel sequence were the travellers flow down the fast moving river. It's a long scene but not for one second does it bore or linger. We also see not just Azog the Defiler but another intimidating orc named Bolg both of which answer to a much darker evil.
The love triangle between Kili (Aidan Turner),Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) and Legolas (Orlando Bloom) however feels slightly insignificant as we don't really connect with these characters very deeply and on the whole is very brief. I would prefer to of seen a happier Legolas, a character we are already familiar with from Lord Of The Rings pursuing his love for Tauriel against his farther Thranduil's (Lee Pace) will.
Despite my minor issues there is a lot to be loved and enjoyed in this movie and holds true to Tolkiens English style. Smaug the dragon was executed superbly as were all the special effects for that matter. We get a closer look at Thorin (Richard Armitage) which is definitely needed and as usual Bilbo and Gandalf (Ian Mckellen) play their roles brilliantly.
We are left with a heated and action packed ending as the party continue their search for the Arkenstone, the heirloom of Throins kin, which will crown him king and unite his people once more.
8.5/10
MattRigby