Although stretched on occasion, this proved a far more action packed adventure than it's predecessor.

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2014)

WARNING: Potential plot spoilers ahead.
Date Watched: 01/01/14
Like most dedicated cinema goers I got caught up in the storm that was the three Lord of the Ring movies. I enjoyed each film as they were all a unique part of one of cinema's greatest masterpieces. That is undeniable. Yet, as I only came to Tolkien's books in the months leading up to the Fellowship of the Ring, I judged them purely as film's rather than on the literature that they came from. As a film fan I was whisked away into the wonderful journey of Frodo and co, yet found the three hours of each film tiresome on occasion.
However, three films for three separate books is a natural fit. This is why the cynic inside me struggled to see two Hobbit movies for only one book (a considerably shorter book than each of the three Lord of the ring books) as anything more that Hollywood greed. Some of the book's greatest fans will argue that many plot threads were sacrificed in the first trilogy (namely Tom Bombadil), but their argument was completely lost on me when I learnt that it was in fact three movies needed to tell Bilbo's story. I felt no different when I went to the cinema to watch the first instalment on New Year 's Day 2013. Whilst exciting scenes were present, the majority of an unexpected journey was stretched and left me with little desire to pay and sit through numbers two and three.
Yet, destiny led me to Smaug through losing a game of rock, paper, scissors on New Year's Day 2014. When paper defeated my rock, I realised I would have to sit through a film I had no intention to see over The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. For the most part, despite my cynicism and the fact I haven't actually read the hobbit, I was pleasantly surprised. The back story had already been told, and this was of great benefit. The first face we see is a carrot munching cameo by Peter Jackson. Thereafter, the film takes flight with great haste.
Bilbo, Gandalf and their band of dwarfs are still on the run from the pursuing Orcs. The action is fast paced and unrelenting in the opening scenes. Along with Orcs, a skin changing bear, and vicious spiders we see the character of Bilbo maturing, as he becomes a true asset for the dwarfs he travels with. Martin Freeman, also develops as an actor, moving away from a purely grumpy every-man performance, and providing a range of emotions and depth worthy of the reluctant hero. He pushes his character to darker places as the ring begins to take hold. Similarly, Thorin shows signs of an inner battle, which Richard Armitage handles skilfully. They are both complemented by the great ensemble cast that remain from the original film, along with strong additions in the form of Evangeline Lily, Luke Evans and the return of Orlando Bloom as Legolas. The main character, as always with Jackson's adaptations of Tolkien, was of course New Zealand. It's awe-inspiring landscapes transporting you to the very heart of middle earth.
However, it was during the quieter scenes the film threatened to drag. The introduction of the elves did provide the audience with comedy dialogue that complemented slapstick laughs, but establishing a love triangle (between Legolas, Tauriel and Kili) stalled the fast pace ever so slightly. Similarly, the initial scenes at the lake town were only lifted by a witty offering from Stephen Fry.
These lulls were brief and sandwiched by further action with an exciting white water rapid escape from the Orcs, Gandalf losing an Orc battle, and the wonderful scene when Bilbo comes head to head with the deadly Smaug (fantastically voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). This latter scene simmers until Smaug's great fire erupts into fight against the resourceful dwarfs. In spite of myself I was left wanting more, as the beastly dragon flies off towards the lake town with mayhem on his mind. I now eagerly await continuing this New Year tradition in 2015.
Neil M (Grand Thanks Reviews)