The Hobbit 2 - The Desolation of Smaug

The second part to “The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug" is a riveting film. This film is a definite must see in 3D at high film rate (48 per second compared to 24). 

Tolkien’s book is a lightweight compared to the Lord of the Ring series he created. Director Peter Jackson is able to delve into Tolkien’s Middle Earth using the extensive appendices Tolkien wrote for “Return of the King.”  
Hobit 2 has a heaviness about it - like a brooding, tensive animal. Your eye is only momentarily drawn to the vast CGI detail that expands the universe we were introduced in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. At the moment when you feel that fantastical wonder of Middle Earth, you are whipped back into the action that almost makes you feel you are part of the story. 

Peter Jackson does take liberties introducing a female character into a story that only had male leads. But this is not a heavy handed approach. The female character, Tauriel, is the moral compass. Although purists would argue it's unnecessary, I would disagree. Tauriel draws out the Elvish culture  in finer detail. Although they are a powerful and enlightened race, they are not immune to the petty problems every society deals with such as selfishness, a sense of entitlement and even a caste system. 

"The Desolation of Smaug" answers many questions for this fan. It helps embellish and enhance the story of the One Ring and what became of the Necromancer - the Dark Lord Sauron.

Reviewed by benMUSA
#the hobbit#lord of the rings#tolkien#peter jackson#review