A completely satisfying and entertaining second film

Rating: 8/10 (14 December 2013)

"Such is the nature of evil, in time all foul things come forth". This has never been more true then in the Desolation of Smaug. It clearly reveals itself as more of an action-pact film over the first, and it seems to waste no-time in getting you completely immersed in the landscape, and complex fighting scenes.
It carries us into the Shapeshifter "Beorn" lair, and pulls us threw the dark, complex and deceiving Mirkwood forest, while keeping us on our edge as we behold the more unwanted guests to the forest, some who you may not expect. This is all of-course before they enter the mountain. Where the legend and tales of Smaug serve no justice, to what you will behold as he wakes from his gold bedded slumber, and shows his immense figure with his truly haunting voice.
Yes, The Desolation of Smaug, is a great action filled movie, but it also holds many of the same undertones about war and greed that we see in the other Lord Of The Rings films, and that reflect us humans in a big way. I very much enjoyed how many more great characters are revealed, giving the story very valid points against the dwarfs mission. When we arrive in Laketown, we actually begin to understand why people would not "deem it wise" to enter the mountain, and as the story comes to a close, that statement has never been more true. Also the darker turn that I felt this film trilogy will take is beginning to show its ugly head. As Gandalf enters dol guldur, he is presented with a force of which one of the most powerful wizards can not handle, and may never will for a long time.
This is a great epic film, and despite its long running time, the action makes you want to see more, especially after the ending, which will leave you on the edge of your feet thinking "oh sh*t".