The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

 

Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company continues East, encountering along the way the skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all - a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself - the Dragon Smaug.

This is as tough of a movie to review as the first part of The Hobbit last year.  It's an excellent movie.  Visually amazing at all points.  The dragon was pulled off masterfully by Peter Jackson.  The addition of Legolas and the female elf brought a lot more action into the movie.  Comparing it to the first part, I definitely enjoyed this one more because it didn't have the massive amount of development in the beginning that part 1 had.  However, just like the first part there was NO REASON for this movie to be almost three hours long.  And the majorly difficult part of reviewing this is that is nowhere near the league of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.  Those movies are second only to the original Star Wars trilogty for me and these movies seem so much below par compared to them.  Yet, they are still very enjoyable and incredibly well made movies.

I would definitely recommend this movie just like I would recommend the first part.  Its a great ride and an awesome movie just expect it to be on par with the first part of the Hobbit and you will be satisfied.  If you are looking for Lord Of The Rings level, it is still not there.