Always a pleasure to return to Middle-earth!

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2013)

I can't get enough Middle-earth.
I don't nitpick the films because Peter Jackson decided to make it a trilogy or about what frame rate it was filmed in or that they pulled elements from the appendices for the stories—I ignore all of that and just look for something that feels authentic to the Tolkien-created universeand Peter Jackson is the man for that!
I really felt this was a step above "An Unexpected Journey," and I absolutely LOVED the opening film in this series. The story picks up like the last one never stopped for a credit break and what follows is a story that flowed so smoothly that I was sucked in and the time flew by. The pages of the book came to life with humor, drama and unbelievable action. Once again, the visuals look amazing, the special effects are great, the sets and costumes look how you imagine this fantasy world to be and, most of all, Smaug is a wonder to see!
The dragon's special effects are incredible and, more importantly, Benedict Cumberbatch proved to be the perfect man to give the creature life; his voice was chilling and command the authority that you would imagine a dragon to command. I admit I'm biased because I love Middle-earth and Tolkien's stories endlessly but what Jackson and his crew made honors the author and his world to no end. This film was so much better than my already high expectations set for it that my anticipation levels for the final film are hitting critical massand I'm okay with that! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some second breakfast that is calling my name! Hi! My name is Rev. Ron and I love movies! So much so that I write a blog where I review whatever film I am currently watching. You can read a more in-depth review of this film (and others) at revronmovies.blogspot.com.