Part 2 is Necessary for Developing the Richness of Middle Earth

Rating: 10/10 (9 April 2014)

Another triumph for Peter Jackson and his fantasy creative team! The visuals and special effects were superb, and the best dragon rendition yet. Benedict Cumber batch did a great job with this performance modeling and voice of the dragon. In addition, who could not like the beautiful New Zealand scenery reworked to make it Middle Earth.
I read Tolkien when I was young, so the story is not new to me. I think Jackson's enhancements for this 2nd version of the trilogy were interesting and necessary for building the characters inner dimensions and to develop the richness of middle earth.
In the 1st part of the trilogy, I loved Richard Armitage's portrayal of Thorin. He really captured the strength of the character and his desire to save his people, and regain their homeland. I felt the 1st sequel of this trilogy, dragged me in because of Richard's acting. He really had me believing in the quest. His relationship to Bilbo, and Gandalf gave the storyline its interest. To me the 1st part of the trilogy was all about Thorin's strength of character, and leadership as a displaced King of the Dwarf's on a quest as Tolkien wrote it. In this 2nd part of the trilogy, we begin to see the other sides of Thorin's character developed further (his pride, his inability to forgive and make concessions to the elves even though he needs their help, his despair when the keyhole could not be found) along with his strength and leadership in fighting the dragon and other creatures found along the quest. This gives Thorin's character a more well-rounded humanness with his flaws, as well as his strengths displayed. Again, I have to say so well acted by Richard Armitage, who has such a great dramatic range that he can portray any of the character he takes on well.
Martin Freeman's character was also developed further his intelligence, courage and bravery as he saved the dwarfs and their quest over and over again; proving his true value to Thorin, and the quest which totally would have failed without him. Part 2 was more about Bilbo's growth, his improved relationship to Thorin, and his value to the quest.
Although Richard did a great job with Thorin's character development in this part of the trilogy and Martin with Bilbo's character, and they were was still prime to this storyline. Part 2 of the trilogy was not so much about Thorin, Bilbo and Gandalf but rather it allowed Peter Jackson to introduce more of the characters and to further develop all of middle earth's richness. The enhancement of the elves storyline was such a nice addition. I loved the addition of Tauriel character so well played by Evangeline Lilly. The story did need a female heroine as it was too male dominated for us liberated women and the female children who will flock to the movie (perhaps not in Tolkien's day, but a definite necessity for the year 2014, Thank-You Peter!!!) And what woman wouldn't swoon over Orlando Bloom's Legolas and Aidan Turner's Kili, every girl loves a bit of a love story. I know the Tolkien purists will find this difficult, but to me it was such a nice addition. I also like Laketown and its characters. I think Luke Evan's character was also being set-up to take a more dominant role in Part 3. Luke did a great job playing Bard. Perhaps I'm wrong but I can see how Bard/Girion will be the one to really finally destroy the Dragon in the next part of the trilogy.
So yes, this Part of the Trilogy is needed to complete the development and richness of Middle Earth, and give substance to the quest. I think Tolkien if he lived today would totally approve!
If there was any flaw in this part of the trilogy, it was in its title (which like many others I totally misinterpreted the word "Desolation" to mean "Destruction" vs "to lay to waste or deprive" the Dragon of his treasure) My fault entirely LOL!!! But because of that lack of understanding, I was expecting the Dragon to DIE when the dwarfs covered him with gold. So until I reflected on why he was still flying away at the end, I was a bit disappointed in the ending of Part 2. It didn't seem to have the movie conclusion I expected. I suppose again this was by design so I will want to come back for part 3!! Kudos to you Peter Jackson, you do have me hooked and I will definitely be there for the conclusion. Although, I know I will miss Richard's Thorin when Part 3 concludes, for it was he that got me here to begin with and allowed me to experience the richness of Middle Earth and all its wonderful characters. Well done to all involved, and great fun for children and adults of all ages.