Great action packed adventure!

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2013)

Went to see the second installment of Jackson's trilogy and I must say that i was very pleased. The slow story of the first film is gone and from minute one there is action all the way through. Despite changes in the story compared to the book, I thought the changes really work well.
I would have liked the visit to Beorn's house to be prolonged, and I hope this is elaborated in the longer version, and the scenes at Lake Town seems to go by very fast. But in whole, the movie works better than the first one, much more is explained about the story and we get to know the characters better and doesn't feel hasted or rushed.
The best scenes, by far, is with the dragon and I really like the way they made him look and sound (great job by Mr. Cumberbatch)! The scenes of the dwarfs going down the river in the barrels are great as well and very action filled. This really looked good in 3D and 48 fps. I also think that the new acquaintance of Tauriel is handled with care and her role fits somehow in the context (say what you will about love between dwarfs and elves). Hope to see more of her and Beorn in the third movie.
I'm looking forward to see what Jackson can conjure in the last film and how the story is gonna be handled. But this film is a really great work and i recommend everyone, with the smallest interest in Middle Earth or The Lord of the Rings , to go and see it! You wont be disappointed!
Even though the first movie is a bit slower than this one, I recommend seeing it first to understand the story and to know the characters.
See it!