Beyond darkness... Beyond desolation.... Comes the greatest danger of all

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2019)

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is the sequel to the 2012 film "An Unexpected Journey", and once again is directed by Peter Jackson, and stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage, with a ensemble cast that features Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, and Orlando Bloom. The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is more exciting and engaging that it's predecessor. No looking having to worry about setting up the story and characters compared to the first film, "The Desolation of Smaug" can focus more on it's characters and and action set pieces. The adventure like feel from "An Unexpected Journey" is carried over, and there are still great variety in locations, although not as many that there were compared to the first film. However, I feel that becomes an advantage, as less locations means being able to flesh each one out more. There is also a sense of dread that runs throughout the movie as the main characters reach closer to their destination. It builds and builds until it all explodes in a great climax, which events that take place will be concluded in "The Battle of Five Armies".
Of course, "The Desolation of Smaug" does have it slow moments, but that to give the audience a breather from all the amazing action set-pieces. There are fast paced, energetic and at times over the top in the best of ways. It clear that everyone at the set were having a blast being in these scenes, and they are so much fun. That what surprised me too, at just how much fun this film can be at times, ironic since this is arguably darker in some aspects than "An Unexpected Journey". A big plus of not having to set up the story, but rather continue it. More time can be dedicated to the action.
The returning actors are still as brilliant as ever. Martin Freeman and Richard Armitage are given more dramatic material that works with both Bilbo and Thorin's character development. Ian McKellen is always a treat as Gandalf, and the actors behind the dwarves are given more to do. The whole ensemble cast is great, but undoubtedly the show stealer is Benedict Cumberbatch motion capture performance as the dragon Smaug. Smaug himself was built up since the start of "An Unexpected Journey", and the pay off is glorious. Smaug is an threatening, smart, and an unforgettable villain that will rank up as one of my favorite parts of the whole Middle Earth film series. Cumberbatch delivers all of the menace and intellect flawlessly, giving a performance that will be remembered as one of the highlights of his career.
As with the first film, the production values are top-notch. It still as lively and detailed as before, creating scenes that are both atmospheric and eye pleasing. It does have some minor issues. Some of the CGI, is once again obvious, and Howard Shore score, while good, is not as memorable as the first film. That doesn't overshadow how amazing the production value is though.
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is a improvement over the first film. It is more fun, engaging, and memorable, with great characters aided by an amazing ensemble cast, with more exciting action scenes and dramatic tension.