A confident stride after shaking first steps

Rating: 7/10 (24 March 2014)

Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films have been met with criticism. His proposed trilogy has been seen as a cash grab, or at the least as a little excessive. Despite the intrinsically drawn-out nature of adapting a book of a little over 300 pages into a trilogy of films, The desolation of Smaug's main downfall is its overtly large and undistinctive cast of characters. The fellowship of thirteen dwarfs, a wizard and a Halfling suffers from the general jolliness of the dwarfs. Their lack of individual motivation sets them apart from the fellowship in the original Lord of the rings trilogy, as it is difficult to care for (or even tell apart) characters who seemingly differ only in name and beard.
The emotional focal points of the film thus are Bilbo and Gandalf, both of whom are explored in greater detail. Bilbo (Martin Freeman) is required to use all of his cunning and wits when he is called upon his contractual obligation to steal an artifact of the dwarfs from the titular dragon. Played masterfully by the brilliant Freeman, Bilbo's gradual descent into madness after having acquired the Ring from Gollum in the previous film is excellently juxtaposed with his intelligence and initiative, proving again that Bilbo is a far more engaging and interesting protagonist than The lord of the rings's Frodo, whose reliance upon his fellowship made him seem like an item more than a character.
The desolation of Smaug marks the first time we see Gandalf (Ian McKellen) shy away from his role as a leader and moral guide, in favor of a more active stance. His encounter with the Necromancer (Benedict Cumberbatch), a spiritual form of 'big bad' Sauron, showcases the wizard's formidable magic powers in an almost Dumbledoresque manner. These scenes are riveting, and a much anticipated payoff.
The same can be said for the dwarfs. Although their individual characters remain underdeveloped, as a unit they are far better utilized than in the previous instalment of the trilogy. The action sequences have lost the childish and rather absurd nature of the first film (no musical acrobatics with china and cutlery!), opting instead for fast-paced and well-choreographed action that creates both a sense of real danger and a feeling of deep-rooted familiarity between the dwarfs.
Fans of the original series will be much more pleased with The desolation of Smaug than with An unexpected journey. The plot of the film is more focused, resulting in enthralling action sequences and a greater sense of purpose. The nods to the original trilogy, such as the appearance of Legolas (Orlando Bloom), have risen above the level of gimmicks to contributing to the story, which is enjoyable as well as useful.
All in all, this film does not justify the choice for a trilogy, yet increases the anticipation for the final closing chapter.
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