Very good movie, but too lengthy

Rating: 8/10 (12 June 2014)

First off I have to say that I am a LOTR and Hobbit fan, so it's no doubt I would watch this movie and enjoy it. And I did! But there were also some flaws. Here's my review:
The movie starts off great. It does not take long at all to get into the action, whereas the first one was fairly slow until about 45 minutes in. However, the movie is very drawn out and could easily have been shorter. Some conversations and other content was unnecessary such as the river/barrel fight scene, which was also slightly corny.
And yes, the movie does not follow the book in plenty of ways, but you have to remember this is a trilogy so it will have different content.
Also, as usual, the movie has some very pretty scenery and other places. Lake-town and the Lonely Mountain was nicely done to me and looked very pleasing.
Really, the entire movie is quite enjoyable, and Smaug was very nicely done, especially with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing him.
All in all, good acting, great special effects, but could have been a bit shorter. A solid 8/10 for me.