Satisfactory

Rating: 8/10 (27 July 2015)

This movie I was not very excited to see, considering the last film (The Unexpected Journey). Even though that one dragged, this one gives the Hobbit's power and brilliance back. This is what I remembered about the Lord of the Rings trilogy and more. They really do a good job at delivering more gruesome battles with the orcs and the elves, which I thought was the best part, offering the most heart pounding scene since the last LOTR film. But the one thing I was excited for the most despite not being very excited to begin with. But I felt excitement to see the dragon, Smaug. I rarely have seen a character receive so much build-up. But Smaug has a lot of that, so I was excited to see him. It wasn't until almost the end of the film before we get to witness him, and for all the build up, I was satisfied. Not on the same level as say, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. But he was evil and all the right ways, and had a very menacing voice to match. To me he is flawed, as a kind of typical villain. At least in this film, maybe he offers more in the next film, but as for this. He was very typical. Slow-moving, slow-talking, lot of talking, not much action. Acts intimidating but does nothing that stands out. He threatens kill but doesn't kill one person in the film. And some dialog was clichéd. But the part I like about Smaug is his design, and cunning behavior. So its a toss up with him. As a film, this was like I said pleasantly satisfactory. Characters: B+ Story: B Music: B+ Visual Effects: A+ Fights/Battles: A Acting: A- Directing: B+ Overall Grade: B+