“Desolation of Smaug” is big step forward from “Unexpected Journey”

By Skyler Blume,

Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

From the opening flashback encounter between Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) it is apparent that this movie will not possess the disappointment that was in last year’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Desolation of Smaug provides a much more energetic tone, unlike its predecessor, blending more action with blossoming characters led by Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.

Last year’s entry featured songs and extended scenes of dwarvish meals.This time around, multiple fast-paced action scenes pit our adventurers against orcs, giant spiders and other dangers on Bilbo and the dwarves’ quest to reclaim the underground kingdom of Erebor, currently occupied by the malevolent dragon, Smaug.

While there are still the familiar sweeping shots of the group traversing the land of Middle Earth, more frequent and crisp action scenes keep the movie moving at a brisk pace, and help alleviate the film’s 161 minute run time. The film never loses steam and is always chugging along, letting the viewer catch his or her breath for a brief moment before plunging into a new situation.

The film also follows many different evolving story lines and subplots.Gandalf often leaves the group to investigate a growing dark power in the abandoned fortress of Dol Guldur. A love square occurs between the dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner), an elf huntress Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly), and a returning Orlando Bloom as Legolas. Finally, we encounter a struggling bard from Lake-Town.

All of these plots help to keep the plot of the movie from bogging down and provide an interesting variety, however, the standout role is the emerging Bilbo. Freeman’s loose, witty dialogue often cuts the darker overall tone of the movie. A tense climax between Bilbo and Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, demonstrates this tension perfectly as the humorous back-and-forth between the hobbit and the dragon who could instantly burn him to a crisp provides a perfect contrast between the intensity of the moment.

If you get the chance to see this movie in its intended 48 frames-per-second, the amazing special effects will seem even smoother, and unlike other movies, the 3-D here does indeed add depth to the film without being a headache.

The little things- quick remarks from Bilbo, fan servicing Lord of the Rings references, the seemingly insurmountable odds of the quest- make this movie enjoyable to watch. It also smoothly lays the foundation for the third and final movie in The Hobbit trilogy.

Although the movie is almost three hours long, The Desolation of Smaug is a thoroughly enjoyable movie and a much needed shift in focus for the series. It definitely deserves your ticket purchase when it opens on Dec. 13.