Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 7/10

The Hobbit:
The Desolation of Smaug
(PG-13)

          The Desolation of Smaug is filled to capacity with mystical and magical lure, with dwarves, elves, wizards, orcs, and of course one colossal dragon, this movie seems to have it all. the story picks-up where it left off with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen), aiding a group of dwarves in their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). the progression of the plot is rather slow, and doesn't actually add anything new to the story until the very end; but with all this extra time there was ample room for character development, something the last film was sorely lacking. The quality of the computer generated graphics fall just short of the bar; throughout the movie it becomes very apparent when a scene shifts from a real shot to a generated one. Though the rendering of larger characters such as Smaug himself is excellent, they truly brought this character to life as a dreadful, greedy, and powerful villain. Though the story ends with more questions than answers, in all this was a joyous movie filled with action and comedy that leaves the audience ready for the final chapter.