People ask too much of this series

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2013)

I knew this would happen.
In 'An Unexpected Journey', Jackson and co. copped a pasting from fans, many who have submitted reviews for this movie as well, stating that the movie dragged on.
So, he goes out and provides an action-packed movie this time around, and is smacked again, this time for not staying true to the book? Can the guy ever win? What 'The Desolation of Smaug' provides is a fantastic action-adventure story. Bilbo continues to build into a stronger, more courageous character, Thorin's obsession begins to come to the fore, and Gandalf has a side-story of his own that starts to blend the overall story-arc with that of Lord of the Rings.
I read a complaint that this movie feels as though it is directed at a younger audience. Of course, the person making the complaint fails to acknowledge that the overall tone of the book he holds so dear is also directed at a younger demographic. I was 12 when I read it. Others I know were around the same age - THAT is who the book is directed at, so why not the movie? The adaption of Smaug to the big screen was brilliant and I loved his scenes with Bilbo, and I LIKED the involvement of the elves to the level they were used. Their action sequences were breathtaking, and it was great to see a little more depth added to the character of Thranduil.
I guess you can't please all of the people, all of the time, but I've long thought that many reviewers look for things to have a whine about, and reading the user-reviews for this movie confirm that.
Take care.