Jackson Back On Form. An Easy 10.

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2013)

Although I enjoyed Jackson initial return to Middle Earth The Hobbit:the desolation of Smaug is undoubtedly a vast improvement on its predecessor, as was the case with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now the Hobbit has found its feet with in middle earth every element of the film has grown stronger, it is compelling from beginning to end with some of the greatest fight sequences Middle Earth has ever seen of which are both funny and technically superb. Thankfully there is no milling around in hobbit hole's for unnecessary amounts of time in this film.
Although the Tolkien lovers will most likely disapprove of Legolas and Tauriel making an unscheduled appearance I personally found both characters a very gratifying addition to the narrative as undoubtedly many of the best action sequences fell to the elf duo. Legolas's presence provides a sense of nostalgic glee as witnessing the elf glide across a battlefield brings back memories of Helms Deep and the fields of Pelennor; although it must be said the action sequences in the Hobbit certainly stand on their own two feet and do not leave any viewer wanting. If anything technically Jackson has improved swapping sheer numbers for intricate choreography.
Although evident in his first outing as Bilbo Baggins casting Martin Freeman as the unwilling adventurer was truly a master stroke. In his second epic excursion into Middle Earth he has has grown yet further into the role. He plays the part superbly capturing the vulnerable but brave hobbit who if you do not already, will love by the end. His encounter with Smaug is enthralling as Freeman captures the moment perfectly, he is a pleasure to watch and if anything the encounter doest go on for long enough. Jackson certainly found the perfect Bilbo.
Peter Jackson's Middle Earth is as beautiful and captivating as ever with the cinematography on this picture possibly outdoing even that of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. You find yourself unable to take your eyes off the screen for even a second as every change of setting provides something new and stunning to look at, certainly the crispness of the visuals benefit from the film being shot at 48 frames per second.
This film provides great entertainment with massive spiders and literally barrel's of laughs, a must watch. It gets a 10 from me for sheer entertainment, a brilliant return to Middle Earth.