Number 8: The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug

The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug is Peter Jackson’s second installment in the The Hobbit trilogy. The film revisits the grand quest pursued by Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf The Grey and the 13 dwarves as they set to reclaim the lonely mountain from the evil clutch of Smaug the dragon.

I can imagine the negative perception of many people as they realise that for me, this is my favourite Middle Earth adventure and your flabbergasted curiosity in many instances is justified. This picture does not obtain the mass critical success of The Lord Of The Ring trilogy and for many it is loathed for taking liberty with Tolkien’s marvelous work. But as many will agree, film is an artform that should not be tainted by others views or opinions. For me, The Desolation Of Smaug is a special film. As I am of a of a young age (being only 4 when The Fellowship was realised), The Hobbit Trilogy has been my only cinematic gateway into Middle Earth and what the second feature did was fully captivate and immerse me in this world.

In describing any Middle Earth film one word always comes to mind and that is epic. Epic in scale, epic in narrative and The Desolation Of Smaug certainly captures the meaning of epic. Grandness courses through this films veins, which catalyses the viewers enjoyment of the picture immensely. Every shot seems meticulously crafted, with the sets perfectly encompassing each wonderful aspect of Tolkien's work.

As an avid admirer of The Hobbit novel, I have to credit Jackson once again for conjuring the atmosphere and imagination that permeated the timeless tale. Although aspects have been tampered with and many additions have been made, nothing in this installment (note how I say this installment) feels unnecessary. For instance, one of the main discussion points prior to the films release was the inclusion of Legolas a character whom did not feature in the original story. Overall this was met with wide disfavour. But on the whole, post release it’s hard not to admit that Orlando Bloom, and also Evangeline Lilly (playing his fellow elf companion whom again was not part of the original), stole practically every scene they were in (especially a certain barrel scene).

The cast is again a tremendous accomplishment with Martin Freeman elevating his portrayal of the on edge burglar Bilbo. I am a great admirer of Freeman and in my opinion, I prefer his role as well as his lead performance in contrast to Elijah Wood’s Frodo. I often chuckle at his simplest of facial expressions, and feel compelled as he takes the character of Bilbo to all new darker areas. However, a real surprise The Desolation of Smaug sprouts is the development of Thorin, acted terrifically by Richard Armitage. Thornin in this installment progresses from the stereotypical stubborn leader we met in An Unexpected Journey, to an all new brooding and complex level. Armitage captures the progression into corruption seamlessly, and the picture can’t help but to focus on his story arc front and center.

 But for me the feature contains one aspect that has been imprinted on my mind and will stay a part of my love for film forever, and that moment is Smaug the dragon. I think every generation of film has a moment like this. The 30s have King Kong, the 70s have Jaws and 2013 had Smaug. I would consider the reveal of this particular dragon to be the King kong and Jaws of our generation. What I love is that this is not just a visual spectacle (but come on what a visual spectacle), Smaug is a villain for the ages. Voiced and motion captured by the wonderful Benedict Cumberbatch, the dragon is enabled to become menacing, dominating and beautifully articulate. A real show stealer that just left me breathless when I first witnessed its immenseness.  I could talk for hours on every scene the sinister Smaug steals but sadly the only way I can do the event justice, is by enthralling you to watch (even if not a fan of Middle Earth) as then you will only fully understand my enthusiasm.
It is on this note that I conclude that The Desolation Of Smaug is a great installment of a wonderful world. Peter Jackson’s commitment to bringing Tolkien's Middle earth to life has to be seen as one of the greatest cinematic triumphs, most definitely of my generation, let alone in the history of blockbuster. In the Middle Earth platter of terrific films, The Desolation Of Smaug is the one that has touched and inspired me the most. Bringing about moments that will live with me throughout my love for film. It may not be seen as the best by many, but there is a beauty to the film, that each individual is captivated by ones own association with the picture and not how others perceive it.

My score: 8.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 74%

IMDB: 8.1/10

Did You Know?: Benedict Cumberbatch suggested to read the Necromancer’s Black Speech backwards to ensure that it would be seen as more unholy and menacing.