Title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (The Hobbit #2)
Director: Peter Jackson
J.R.R. Tolkien, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, and Peter Jackson
In theaters: December 13, 2013 from Warner Brothers
Genre: Fantasy, Action-Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
We saw The Desolation of Smaug at the theater yesterday. Quick warning, go to the restroom first, or don’t get a drink, because it’s a long movie, including previews it’s probably three hours. We chose to watch it the regular version, not the 3D. Amber’s not a fan of 3D and besides the 3D showing was at 8, which is late for a school night, so I have no idea how the 3D worked. I would like to imagine that some of the more epic scenery was gorgeous in 3D, but it’s probably more likely that they concentrated on flying orc limbs and Smaug.
I’m not going to compare the movie to the book. They are just two distinct things, so much of the movies are added in. To be honest, I don’t really remember the book, it’s been ages since I read it, but Amber’s reading it now and she will give you a list of things that were “wrong,” just ask her. But she loves Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo, and with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing Smaug, she was willing to overlook the differences.
My main complaint is that it’s a middle movie in a trilogy – I just don’t like them. They have no real beginning or end. I take that back, some trilogies are three self-contained movies and those I’m okay with, but the trilogies that take three movies to tell one complete story tend to annoy me, especially when I think they could have told the story in less. I’m also terrible at movies where the people I’m watching it with remember the story and know what’s going to happen, because I always want to ask them and they keep shushing me. (Sorry David.)
Setting aside the middle movie issues, I enjoyed The Desolation of Smaug. It’s got plenty of action and some sexy men. There are some flat-out funny moments too. I like the touch of romance between an elf and the handsomest of the dwarves. The other bad guy, the necromancer, is creepy and I have to admit that I liked Smaug, even if he does talk a bit too much. When will characters learn to stop talking and just kill the person, or hobbit as the case may be?
It’s a fun adventure, definitely worth seeing, as long as you’re not a purist. And now a year until the ending.
I almost forgot to mention, the song that accompanies the final credits, “I See Fire” is gorgeous. Hang around and listen to it.
Lol, yes stop talking and just kill the hobbit Smaug
I’m sure my guys will be seeing this one.
Sounds like a must see! Sort of! But I am a little tired of this series…
Love the Christmas lights header! I have been itching to go see this film, I might have to go this weekend. I am just tickled pink to see some of the original LOTR cast in this one. Orlando Bloom!
I had to hear how Legolas wasn’t supposed to be there.
I like the lights too, but they make some things unclickable, which kind of annoys me.
I wasn’t sure about seeing this one but I have read positive reviews so I think I will ho ahead and see it!
Lol ho = go!
Looking forward to seeing this even if my husband is a purist who will doubtlessly point out every little incorrect detail as he did during the first film.
I cannot wait to see this movie! I recently re-read the book again this year with my son, so I’m hoping that I don’t hung up on the differences too much. I adore Martin Freeman as Bilbo, so I’m sure that will help!
I went with lots of family last weekend and one of the Hobbit ‘scholars’ and he wasn’t bothered about Legolas being there since his dad was mentioned so it made since he was there. Now his elf crush- not so much 🙂