A fruitful re-imagination that hits the spot

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2013)

As I scroll through the reviews of this film, I can't help but get the impression that a vast majority of people exert a sense of misconstrued discombobulation, many whom expect something that resembles perfection and complete accuracy - That's where many fall short; frankly, Tolkien never intended for the Hobbit to follow an exact path but more so to serve a churlish prelude, a foreword for what would become a successive Lord of the Rings trilogy. To put it simply, this re-imagination is synchronised with the nature that Tolkien essentially intended. And I think that people are seldom taking the film with a pinch of salt (If you know what I mean)
Onto the film itself. The Desolation of Smaug gives a refreshing perspective onto the envisioning of Middle-Earth, initially provided by the esteemed Tolkien. It may seem stretched for material at times, (I'm referring to Legolas and Tauriel here) however it never held the viewer astray from the fundamental attributes that really formed what is conceived so effectively in this title, that being the almost fairytale natured approach that I believe is necessary. - Think of it like a typical quest for gold from a Dragon; myth and maverick is all that is being portrayed here in the shadow of the Lord of the Rings. This film serves well for what it is, we need to remember that this is a prelude aimed at younger audiences and for forming the story behind the ring and the rise of Sauron. NOT something to be taken with overt 'high-fantasy' seriousness. It's light hearted fantasy at most, and I think delivers in regard to Tolkien's intention for the Hobbit.
Now in regard to criticism, and I'm being reasonable. I didn't approve of how fighting was constantly used between scenes as an interval, I think it needed to be split into pieces for visual digestion and not just thrown at the viewer as a filler. Also while the CGI was beautiful it became repetitive and I felt that not enough of the characters were shown as a result, it was more a distraction from the story than an enhancement most of the time.
And because of that, I can't rate it any lower or higher than 8, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I eagerly anticipate the sequel coming next year.