The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Accompanied by the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), the company of dwarves under the command of deposed king Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) continues its quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the treasure within from the destructive dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Pursued by vengeful orcs, the dwarves must also deal with the elves of Mirkwood and the men of Laketown, all of whom want a share of the treasure. Meanwhile, their friend and guide Gandalf (Ian McKellen) must leave them to uncover a Necromancer’s sinister plot.

The second of three Hobbit films, The Desolation of Smaug is unlikely to win over anyone who found its predecessor unnecessarily long. Clocking in at 160 minutes, the film perpetuates Peter Jackson’s love-it-or-leave it approach to epic fantasy filmmaking. But those who found An Unexpected Journey at the very least tolerable will likely see this middle installment as an all-around improvement.

Though only a few minutes shorter than the previous film, The Desolation of Smaug passes the time much more quickly due to improved pacing. Giant spiders, giant dragons, elf fights, orc fights, evil spirits, and more create peril at every turn and lend a sense of urgency to the quest. However, this is not action for action’s sake. It shapes characterization as well. As Bilbo continues to use the ring he gained in the last film, he becomes more and more aggressive. And as Thorin gets closer and closer to reclaiming his birthright, he becomes more and more ruthless. While these developments risk turning the nominal protagonists unlikeable, they also provide complexity and set up the third installment fall from grace.

Another upgrade here takes the form of the chief antagonist, Smaug. Whereas the previous film’s orcs were a constant nuisance, Smaug is a menace on a much grander scale. Cumberbatch’s vocal performance is exaggerated at times but on the whole, quite appropriate for the character. Cunning, authoritative, and malevolent, the dragon is entirely believable as a force to be reckoned with. Again, this works to raise the stakes.

Of course, this isn’t a film without blemish. Even with better pacing, it still feels bloated in comparison to the source material. The addition of a romantic subplot involving young dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner) and elvish archer Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) is nothing if not contrived. And the increased prominence of the Necromancer (aka Sauron) as an attempt to strengthen Lord of the Rings ties is distracting. Overall, however, Jackson and company have not worn out their welcome. If anything, they’ve built considerable momentum for what one can only hope is the final installment.

8.25/10