Faulty, but I still say two thumbs up.

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2014)

Fortunately The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug is more confident and exciting, more character-focused and an improvement over its predecessor. I liked the first Hobbit film but I liked Desolation of Smaug better. I found the first Hobbit film good but this second part I found it very good. My favorite scene of the entire film was the river action scene. That scene wasn't exciting just like that - it was hell of an exciting one. However, I thought that Legolas' act in that scene was a little over-the-top and made him look a bit too much like a God-like being. I thought that the Elf- Dwarf love story including the love triangle was a nice subplot and that it was worth an addition to the Desolation of Smaug but I find it a bit of a pity that some people disapprove with it. That's what I think. Another thing I can't resist talking about in this review is the deadly, critical duel between Gandalf and Sauron. That scene was visually artistic and viscerally intense and surpasses the quality of the duel scene opposing Gandalf against the Belrog in the Fellowship of the Ring. Well done on that Jackson, really. This scene made me feel not only happy but proud as if I was the director who made that scene. I'm not sure why. I don't know if any of you guys knew or maybe just guessed and hinted about this since the first Hobbit film when it was revealed about the obscure forces surrounding Dol Gul Dur but I had no idea (nor did I even guess and hint at the possible idea that Sauron would be back in The Hobbit and that he may be the Necromancer one second) that the main antagonist from the Lord of the Rings trilogy would take part in The Hobbit movie until I saw him in the ignited fire light near the end of the movie. When I first saw him I was like "What on earth!? Sauron ALSO takes part in The Hobbit!?" And don't take me wrong, I wasn't exclaiming myself like that because I felt negative toward it but because it was so unexpected to me and a big surprise. It felt like a smash in my face. The way Sauron resurrected with his full powers was incredible. And the sinister score that shows up just as Sauron makes his first full spiritual appearance is so damn perfect. Also I thought that the physical aspect and visual design for the dragon Smaug was breathtaking and that the dialogue between Bilbo and Smaug was operated in a nicely smooth and efficient way. One thing that felt strange and frustrated me however was the scene where the Dwarfs battle against Smaug. Well, I felt so bored with that scene because it didn't feel gripping nor breathtaking at all and I found it such a pity. Another problem is that the movie is too long, but all in all I'm happy about Jackson's work in this motion picture and I congratulate him and that I think is the most important thing to think of even if Desolation of Smaug is imperfect (or any movies in general). My rating for the movie is 8.0/10. I read the plot of the second sequel and am curious to know what Sauron's plan is in the Battle of the Five Armies chapter. I haven't yet seen The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies but I'm looking forward to see it and I hope it will be really good or at least just good. I will definitely write another review for the third film after I finish watching it. Let's see what the third, last and decisive Hobbit chapter of the trilogy, before its ties to The Lord of the Rings, has to offer...