The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Most Hobbit minded people have already seen the latest installment so this is for those of you waiting for the crowds to go down. Part 2 is much better than part 1. This applies to all viewers. Where the gap happens if you have not read the book (including the appendices) you will probably like the whole movie. If you've read the book and taken the time to read the appendices, then you'll appreciate the back story that's presented here. The spirit of Tolkien is present and Desolation of Smaug fits well within what will become a 6 part movie.
What I liked....The opening sequence. This is not in the book and I had to look it up in the appendices and sure enough, Gandalf and Thorin did meet in Bree. Thranduil and Legolas father/son relationship. I liked it. While only a mere mention in the appendices, in this movie we see Legolas loyal to his father. That Legolas doesn't mesh with the person he becomes and it will be interesting to see what happens to Legolas in the next movie. Side note though - this is about Bilbo so if too much time is on the Elves it could be annoying.
Tauriel - yes she was invented but we did need some female balance here. And she's a kick ass fighter so what's not to like?
Answer - the repeat sequence of Arwen healing Frodo with Tauriel and Kili.
Now the fliration scene in the prison was fun but anything more was a distraction. So not anywhere in any of the books either.
Back to like - the Barrels, Bard, Beorn. And I liked Smaug, Bilbo and the Dwarves.
Not so much a like....The above mentioned healing scene. Kili lovestruck. The Master of Laketown and his Thug.
Overall The Desolation of Smaug is a solid movie and the 3 hours goes by fast. I was in an early showing and the boys in the row behind me were into the movie the entire time so it does hold interest for the 10 year old crowd as well as the adult crowd. I plan to see this a second time when I'm home in January to see how it holds up to a repeat viewing.
What I liked....The opening sequence. This is not in the book and I had to look it up in the appendices and sure enough, Gandalf and Thorin did meet in Bree. Thranduil and Legolas father/son relationship. I liked it. While only a mere mention in the appendices, in this movie we see Legolas loyal to his father. That Legolas doesn't mesh with the person he becomes and it will be interesting to see what happens to Legolas in the next movie. Side note though - this is about Bilbo so if too much time is on the Elves it could be annoying.
Tauriel - yes she was invented but we did need some female balance here. And she's a kick ass fighter so what's not to like?
Answer - the repeat sequence of Arwen healing Frodo with Tauriel and Kili.
Now the fliration scene in the prison was fun but anything more was a distraction. So not anywhere in any of the books either.
Back to like - the Barrels, Bard, Beorn. And I liked Smaug, Bilbo and the Dwarves.
Not so much a like....The above mentioned healing scene. Kili lovestruck. The Master of Laketown and his Thug.
Overall The Desolation of Smaug is a solid movie and the 3 hours goes by fast. I was in an early showing and the boys in the row behind me were into the movie the entire time so it does hold interest for the 10 year old crowd as well as the adult crowd. I plan to see this a second time when I'm home in January to see how it holds up to a repeat viewing.
You may yet be able to have a Hobbit party then. We can't see to organize one without you. We couldn't even decide on a theater or general location!
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