Monday, 23 December 2013

Movie review - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) / adventure, fantasy, action

Directed by Peter Jackson
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Based on The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Aidan Turner, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, Graham McTavish, Dean O'Gorman, Cate Blanchett
Trailer: click.

PLOT
Where we left off to say simply. Film continues to follow the journey of Thorin, Bilbo and Company through Mirkwood, Laketown and into Smaug's Lair.

REVIEW
Firstly:
1. The Hobbit movies are not like LOTR trilogy and they are NOT a sequel to the LOTR trilogy
2. Films are NOT the same as the book and before going in, it is important to realize that this is not simply 'the movie of the book'. Jackson's Hobbit trilogy is based on the 1930s children's book, basic motivations are the same but beyond that, it's Peter's film (darker tone and more fantasy action)!
3. If you still have hard time because movies are in three parts: get over it!


The second film is more confident, with faster pace, exciting and superior to the previous. Where the first movie didn't quite deliver, this one does! Film is definitely a huge improvement on the previous instalment. Adventure is bigger and bolder, the danger is ever more present, full of details, beautiful sets, costumes and most impressive CGI. We get introduce to new characters and spend enough time with them to fall in love with them (Thranduil, Tauriel, Bard). I loved Tauriel's (Evangeline Lily) strong character. Plus she adds a much needed feminine touch. On the other hand we also see old character growth (especially from Bilbo). It was so nice to see Legolas (Orlando Bloom) again, even if he is not in the book. Whole cast is great!

There are many scenes I love, for example, Gandalf's scenes in Dol Guldur but when Smaug entered... Aaaaamaaazing! I think Smaug is the best-designed movie dragon ever! I'm so impressed! He is as awesome as you could have hoped and I simply can't rave enough about him! And than you have voice of Benedict Cumberbatch! He is excellent! And the ending! You want more! Just brilliant!

Next thing. Peter of course! It’s pleasing to watch a filmmaker this in love and committed with storytelling and creating entire worlds. I respect the man so much!

Negatives. My biggest complaint is about interactions but I can understand how hard it is to include everything. There are 13 dwarfs and a hobbit and yet you rarely see them interact. The other thing are added subplots. Some of them were totally unnecessary and don't add much to the story. Like romance between elf Tauriel and dwarf Kili. For me it was a bit forced.

Yes, it's also crowd-pleaser but so enjoyable! We all know second/middle movies can be tricky but this one is just brilliant! All things considered. I'm a fan and I looooved it! Can't wait to see the final chapter in this absolutely amazing Hobbit masterpiece by Peter Jackson! 2013 must see film! 5/5


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