The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

2013 • 161 minutes

4.4

2.57K reviews

75%

Tomatometer

Rating

Eligible

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About this movie

Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson continues his Middle-Earth saga that follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) who's swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. In the company of thirteen dwarves and the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo enters the Lonely Mountain in possession of Gollum's "precious" ring and his keen blade, Sting. With an all-star cast, including many acclaimed actors from The Lord of the Rings (such as Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis and more), and the effects wizardry of Jackson's award-winning Weta Workshop, Tolkien's epic story comes to life as never before imagined. (Original Title - Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The) © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. TM The Saul Zaentz Co.

Rating

Ratings and reviews

4.4

2.57K reviews

Chris Baldock

May 17, 2014

Enjoyable throughout, and some good performances. I thought Lake Town was excellently portrayed, and obviously Smaug was excellent. I agree with another comment that Smaug's back story would make interesting viewing, especially in the times of Melkor. The dwarf characters are great. Generally well acted and interesting to watch. The elf king too. 4 stars because, as usual with this series, I didn't quite feel any peril or true joy. I know the story very well, so maybe I'm a bit jaded.

2 people found this review helpful

Phillipa Engels

December 23, 2014

As far as a visually entertaining film goes, this one's got it! It got a great story too and every effort has been put into drawing the viewer into the scenes, into the story and making your heart pound as your heroes face threat after threat. What really let's it down for me is the 'artistic licence' they've taken when adding in scenes! Being a true fan of the LOTR series I found a lot of those scenes cringe worthy, even more than in the first hobbit! Finally, I can read the whole hobbit book in this time!

1 person found this review helpful

Jez B

May 9, 2014

I would rate the original 3 lotr films as classics. Saw this one at the cinema in 3D which was a bit much on the eyes. Watched again on home TV and quite enjoyed the first half. Think it loses its way a bit towards the end, and in truth the Gollum bit misses the mark. Not really sure Martin Freeman has the charisma for a leading role. Think that sums it up to be honest. Worth a look, but a shadow of the original trilogy.