Another Epic Adventure

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2014)

"The Hobbit" would be adapted into three, and everyone reacted as if it was a Satanic action. The truth is that the first installment was disappointing, especially in its first half. It did redeem itself later. The second installment proves to be a complete success if you look at it for what it is, a beautiful adaptation loosely based on the novel. Peter Jackson fixed everything that was wrong with the first one. He left out the long conversations, the unnecessary exposition, and he concentrated on what he does best: a wonderful action movie, full of breathtaking scenery, incredible art direction and costumes and one of the most memorable scores in the last few years.
Our troop continues their quest to go back and take back their stolen loot and kingdom. Things won't be easy because they have the Orks chasing them, the Elves aren't exactly welcoming them, and Gandalf knows there is a bigger force behind everything that will eventually envelop the world in total darkness.
It is impossible to discover the amazing direction by Jackson. Just get ready for incredible sword fights, one thrilling race down the river, the lighting archery work by Legolas and his kin, and if you don't have enough, there is very nasty dragon who doesn't appreciate being awakened by the greedy dwarfs.
The magic continues, as spells as put forth, dwarfs are poisoned, and Smaug tries to stop the dwarfs from taking back what he has stolen. It is interesting to see events that happened before the trilogy because we can reflect on how these actions will affect the future. Ironically, the trilogy remains at the top, but this sequel in the prequel benefits from improvements on CGI and that terrific Howard Shore music score which brings every fight alive, and shows the good and bad in each of the character.
One of the best films of the year.