Once again returning to the land of Middle Earth, and re-telling a small portion of a beloved J.R.R. Tolkien tale, director Peter Jackson’s latest movie manages to produce everything you could possibly want from not just an epic fantasy movie, but a film set in Middle Earth (the land of The Lord of the Rings); and it’s no exaggeration to say The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a brilliant film.
Picking up right where The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey left off (with our heroes hotly pursued by a ravenous, revenge-seeking, orc-pack), The Desolation dives right into the action (after a short, but wonderful flashback, filled with nerd-pleasing Easter Eggs) and doesn’t let up; as titular hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), head dwarf Thorin (Richard Armitage), and the rest of their colourful company come face-to-face with everything from orcs, giant spiders, moody elves, barrels full of fish, and a maleficent, fire-breathing, dragon before the runtime is out.
In continuing their quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug, The Desolation lets us grow closer to members of the company which weren’t given too much screentime during the Unexpected Journey (we hear more from Gloin, Dwalin, and get a lot more out of Kili), re-introduces some old favourites (with Orlando Bloom returning as his Eleven Lord of the Rings character Legolas), and does practically everything bigger, and better, than the last outing.
There’s plenty more action, and a number of rather large set-pieces to sink your teeth into (even if some of them, such as Mirkwood, do seem to be somewhat glossed over to make way for the next set-piece), and both fans of the book, and those who simply admire the film franchise, will have a few unexpected turns; as Jackson hasn’t simply re-told Tolkien’s much loved Hobbit book, but expanded upon it, and added to not only this tale, but the world as a whole; with new characters, and plot elements, proving to be a solid inclusion in the latest Middle Earth epic.
Many fans were worried about the introduction of the new warrior elf Tauriel (played by Real Steel’s Evangeline Lily), though, aside from being a touch too similar to Liv Tyler’s character in the LOTR trilogy (but a damn sight more badass), she’s actually a great character, provides a new love interest for one of the dwarves, and serves as a point of contact for Legolas; and these expansions (which even include a lengthy detour into the heart of evil that will sprout during The Lord of the Rings), and the numerous LOTR references, not only slot right into the tale, but unlike the clearly forced references during the last film, feel totally organic and natural as a part of this adventure, beautifully bridging the gap between The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings.
Still The Hobbit trilogy is a very different beast compared to it’s much more solemn older brother, and maintains a level of playfulness that thankfully (unlike the Unexpected Journey) never feels childish; we do have our fair share of lightly comedic moments, and get to revel in some blockbuster showmanship, but there’s always a sense of foreboding lurking; as time is running out, and everyone watching knows it’s only a matter of time before they see the dragon.
Smaug, the dragon, really lives up to the other names by which he is known (Smaug the Golden, and Smaug the Magnificent), because he truly is magnificent; not only has Weta Digital created a disturbingly creepy yet amazingly believably and realistic looking dragon, but the utilisation of motion-capture technology and the spectacular voice talent of Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock) has really breathed life into an intimidating, menacing, creature that could possibly be one of cinemas finest ever dragons, and one that we’re dying to see more of.
Sadly though it’s not all as perfect as the dragon, because The Desolation does contain a few instances of noticeably poor cgi, and although the High Frame Rate and 3D imaging does work wonderfully here (and present Tolkien’s world in a beautifully crisp, clear, and highly detailed manner), there are a number of times where the 3D simply seems gimmicky; something you wouldn’t expect, and do not want, from a Peter Jackson directed Middle Earth movie; because when bees, and arrows, fly out of the screen for no reason other than simply shock value, thinking “wow that came right at me” does nothing but end the suspension of disbelief, and remind you you’re watching a film (bringing out of the world you’ve been so effortlessly drawn into).
Still, as you’d expect, the world is crafted brilliantly, with excellent costumes, set design, and flawless cinematography, it’s wonderfully directed by Jackson (who’s obviously a bit of a dab-hand at shooting Middle Earth by now), contains another excellent musical score from composer Howard Shore, and each and every member of the cast; from Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage, to Evangeline Lily, Orlando Bloom, James Nesbitt, and the impressive Luke Evans; does an amazing job of realising their individual characters, making them believable, and also making them stand out in a world full of colourful, and memorable, characters (even the often irritating Stephen Fry manages to put in a watchable turn as a greedy and disgusting town Governor; not unlike his General Melchett character from Blackadder).
All in all, despite a few minor problems (a couple of instances of poor cgi, gimmicky 3D, and one or two things hardcore Tolkien fans might not be happy with), the second Hobbit outing is a fantastic ride; it tops the first film in just about every way possible; it’s more exciting, more action packed, better looking, flows much better (the near three hour runtime simply flies by), and it has a dragon! Sure it’s the middle chapter in a tale you’ll going to have to wait a long time to finish, but it’s a middle chapter worth watching; anyone who’s faith was rocked with the lacklustre Journey will come out of The Desolation with their faith in Middle Earth restored, and be begging for more (the cliffhanger ending leaves everyone aching to see what happens next); and why? Bigger, Better… Dragon!
