This sequel to An Unexpected Journey continues the adventure of Bilbo and his Dwarven companions through the dark forests of Mirkwood, into Lake-Town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim Erebor. In addition to the cast of the first film, Orlando Bloom reprises the role of Legolas, and Evangeline Lilly makes an appearance as Tauriel, a fiery haired elven warrior maiden. Luke Evans and Lee Pace co-star as Bard and Thranduil, and Benedict Cumberbatch voices Smaug, the dragon that we've been waiting a year to lay eyes on.
The Desolation of Smaug is a roaring success. The masterful use of 3D makes you feel like you are really there, and the action scenes are so outrageous that they are as immensely entertaining as they are ridiculous. The combat is breathtaking, with elves crossing swords with orcs, who are crossing swords with dwarves. As with with previous Hobbit film and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, one of the most important features is the action and warfare. And to make up for the long introduction to An Unexpected Journey, Peter Jackson has gone all-out for the sequel. With plenty of orc heads rolling, and more impressive yet impossible Legolas stunts than ever before (he's no longer limited to one per film, it seems) The Desolation of Smaug is a feast for the eyes.Yet again, the beautiful landscape of New Zealand makes the film that much more captivating, with it's multitude of forests, soaring mountains, and rivers, it truly brings Tolkien's Middle Earth to life. Not only this, by the excellent CGI effects make the scenery truly amazing, and breathes life into the cities and kingdoms that Bilbo (Martin Freeman) encounters on his journey. Whether it's the dungeons or throne room of Mirkwood or the simple alleys of Lake-Town, it brings to life all of that which we didn't experience in the original Lord of the Rings.
The Desolation of Smaug delves into parts of the story that The Hobbit novel does not talk about in much detail. For instance, the side story of Gandalf (Ian McKellen) going to the fortress of Dol Guldur, and continuing the Necromancer storyline that began in the first film. This is a brilliant touch added by Jackson, as it is perfect for any Lord of the Rings fans who want to know more about the resurfacing of Sauron. It also serves to link the two trilogies together more closely, as without this part of the story, they seem to be quite separate.
The performances of the cast were astoundingly wonderful, with Martin Freeman becoming an increasingly loveable Bilbo Baggins. With every film, he seems to gain in confidence, and become more and more the hobbit we know and love. Lee Pace put on a commendable performance as Thranduil, father of Legolas and king of the Mirkwood elves. It was apparent that there was something undeniably creepy about the elven ruler, and that made Pace really stand out. And Jackson even threw in some much needed girl power, as Evangeline Lilly's Tauriel becomes the Eowyn of The Hobbit trilogy.Sizzling with an outstanding cast, unbeatable action and breathtaking visuals, The Hobbit will leave you speechless. This is a must watch.
