Disclaimer: What follows are specific plot details and spoilers of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” The review contains spoilers regarding the movie. Do not read this review if you have not watched the movie yet, and you wish to in the future.
The second installment of a three-part movie adaptation, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is the center of Tolkien’s classic story, “The Hobbit,” reimagined by director Peter Jackson, and part of the prequel to his “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy. Sadly, it suffers from Star Wars prequel syndrome, and does poorly what Jackson’s previous films did well. Despite the creative destruction of various classic formulae, however, it is regardless remarkable to see more of Middle Earth splendidly reveal itself on the big screen.
The plot follows the (excruciatingly long) journey of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he follows the dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), to their homeland – the Lonely Mountain, a desolated mountain kingdom guarded by the fearsome and rather talkative dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite frail wizard, Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), leaves the company of the dwarves to randomly seek out a great evil that hasn’t actually woken up yet.
What many have said is certainly true; the events of “The Hobbit” could have fit into one movie. Indeed, the uneventful walking scenes, constant scenery shots, and alternative character interpretations were novel and legendary in “The Lord of the Rings” films, but are unnecessary here. Smaug gave an even longer intimidating monologue than he did in the book, and characters that weren’t supposed to show up for a few decades barged into the story. This expanded content makes it more obvious that it was a struggle to turn one story into three.
Still, Middle Earth locales like Murkwood and Laketown are vividly illustrated in cinematic format. It is refreshing for fans to see more of Tolkien’s world come to life, and immersive to discover adventure within an expanding fantastic tale.
It wouldn’t be fair for newcomers to “The Lord of the Rings” to sit through “The Desolation of Smaug,” but even the least satisfied fans should go see it once or twice.