Excellent, Imaginative Ode to the World of Middle Earth *spoiler alert*

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2013)

I absolutely LOVED this movie. The Hobbit is and always has been my favorite book, and I am a total nerd over the 1977 animated version. So, I have been on my toes waiting for Desolation to come out. Needless to say, I was not at all disappointed. Jackson made brilliant decisions about what to add to, and what to skim over in the film. The scene where Gandalf confronts the Necromancer, and his true identity is revealed through a succession of a never ending eyes within the great eye made my hair stand on end. Benedict Cumberbatch was a perfect choice as Smaug. His booming, growling voice really impressed Smaug's ego to the audience. And, Weta absolutely blew me away with their design for Smaug. He was enormous and frightening, yet beautifully so at the same time. I saw the movie on Imax 3D, and it was beyond impressive. My husband and I left grinning from ear to ear, and wishing the next installment of the trilogy was already available. As a fan, I honestly could not wish for more. It was funny, scary, romantic, adventurous, and packed with thrilling and fun action scenes. It was well worth the 18 dollar ticket costs, and I will happily line up and pay the same for the next film.