Must-Watch Film | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

*No Spoilers*

The quest continues, as Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and the group of dwarfs get closer to their journeys end. Although, things never go quite as planned, keeping the group on their feet as they near the end of their journey to the 'lonely mountain'.

Danger at every twist and turn, the group meet some unwelcome creatures and some welcomed friends, as well. This installment, if anything, is better than the first, having had more action, more romance and more danger, having been a worthy sequel.

After the first "Hobbit" film, is was difficult to tell just what we were going to expect to see in the second, as the first finished at a guess-work cliffhanger. Giving those who've read 'The Hobbit' book a distinct advantage, but even so, it would be hard to know exactly what Peter Jackson (director of "The Hobbit" trilogy) was going to pull out of the bag.

The first "Hobbit" film certainly lacked action, which luckily, this installment lacks anything but action. I would go as far as to say, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is the most exciting film that I have seen in a very long time, as I felt that the first "Hobbit" film didn't have the same excitement attached to it.

Not that "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" wasn't a great film, but it did not have the usual middle earth battles, in which we were so used to seeing in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. That being said, "The Desolation of Smaug", made up for the first's lack of action, as it was a pure battle-fest.

The film, again, lasts more than 2 hrs in duration, but it seemed like far less time, as the film paces well, feeling like half of that amount of time, once you've seen the film. Only wishing there was more, and thankfully there is, but we will have to wait until the third and final "Hobbit" film is released on December 12, 2014 (UK) this year.

So, how did the film pace, from start-to-finish?

The film led on from where the first ended, so it was easy to get to grips with what was happening, leaving you feeling the adrenaline rush you'd felt after seeing the first "Hobbit" film.

As soon as the film begins, it gets straight into the action, as there is everything to be excited about and nothing to leave you feeling bored.

Pacing from scene-to-scene with ease, as it engrosses you into the storyline, only wondering what could happen next. This being said, the film does have plenty of exciting battles, tense from the moment they begin, as the battles remind all of us fans of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and what made us fall in love with Peter Jacksons vision of middle earth.

Introducing elves this time, had to be a smart move, as I'd imagine plenty of us were getting a little tired of just being exposed to the grumpy dwarfs every second of the film. So, this was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

There is the perfect balance between story-telling, enabling audiences to understand what is happening, battles, keeping us all entertained, and a side of romance starting, causing all of us to feel the powers of emotion throughout the film.

Not forgetting, that we are finally introduced to the dragon 'Smaug', whose a scary addition to this film, having been the one thing we never got to see in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, being that of a dragon.

Finally, elves

This was pleasant, as the elves are always interesting, but not quite as you might expect to see them.

Finally, a real sense of darkness

Not too much needed be said about this, as I'm sure you were expecting to see a heavy dose of darkness introduced into this installment, bringing question to the hell which we are going to see in the final "Hobbit" installment.

Being that "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" was such a great film, as I had talked kindly off in my previous review on the title, it was only ever going to mean another well-adapted "Hobbit" title, since the first did such a bang-up job.

"The Desolation of Smaug" has used some of the best CGI and special effects I have ever seen, keeping the film up-to-date with the latest technology at their disposal. Today's audience, as you'll likely know, have a nag for wanting the best and only paying for the best.

"The Desolation of Smaug" is certainly the best, in the sense that it is certainly worth buying, not that you need to, as it is currently streaming on "Netflix Instant" (UK), so Netflix users can watch the film as many times as they like.

Having been the best fantasy epic released so far in the 2010's, this certainly clarifies that "The Desolation of Smaug" is a film best suited to today's audiences.

The release of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" was exciting, as it delivered everything that fans, or at least most fans were expecting.

It got into the darker side of middle earth, as we see hints of the enormous battle which is to take place in the final "Hobbit" installment, making this a must-watch for those seeking to watch the final installment this year (12th December, 2014). As otherwise you will be confused as to how the events led up to the final battle in the final "Hobbit" installment.

There is never a more pleasurable experience in film-watching, than there is in watching a middle earth film directed by Peter Jackson, as he always paves the way, in creating the best fantasy epics ever brought to cinema theatres.

The medieval feel certainly gets my attention in this installment, as I am a sucker for this time era, as Peter Jackson captures the fantasy world of middle earth, which feels a heck of a lot like a medieval world, except with hobbits, elves, dwarves, and all other types of mythical creatures, good and bad.

This is a damn good sequel, in my opinion, demanding audiences attention, certainly a pleaser for any "Lord of the Rings" fan or general fantasy fans. No-one directs a fantasy film quite as-well-as Peter Jackson and that comment would be hard to argue against.

Even more characters are introduced in this film, being that of elves, people and the 'bad guys'. They are a welcome addition to this already packed cast of brilliant characters, who are forming "The Hobbit" trilogy.

Those disappointed with the first "Hobbit" film, will find no disappointment in this instalment, as it is jam-packed with action and adventure, being the whole point of its making.

The only question now is... how will the the final "Hobbit" film turn out?

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Rating- 9.7/10

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug", the third in the must-watch series, has been a worthy attribute to "The Hobbit" trilogy, making it that bit more exciting to watch the final "Hobbit" installment.

Do you agree that "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is as good, if not, better than the first "Hobbit" film in the trilogy? ...Leave your answer in the comments box below.

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Your friendly movie, games writer: Craig Easom