Sometimes it helps going into a movie with low expectations, such as when I saw 'The Great Gatsby'. On the other hand, sometimes high expectations make a film that much better when it meets them, as with 'Iron Man 3'.

 

For 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' I was somewhere in the middle. While I liked the first film, it didn't have the fantastical aura of the books, or the thematic depth of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The pacing was slow and I found myself bored in the middle. Early positive reviews, however, raised my expectations slightly for 'Smaug' so I could have easily been disappointed. But the sequel shattered my expectations beyond belief.

 

With characters much more like-able, pacing much swifter and, above all, action scenes that make anything in the other four Middle-earth films look mundane, 'Desolation of Smaug' is one of the most satisfying blockbusters this year. My excitement at the end rivaled what I felt with 'Catching Fire' last month, and I now can't wait for 'There and Back Again' next year.

 

The visual effects are so much better this time around, especially Smaug, who is a treat to behold and the plot feels much more important.

 

Whereas the first film was quite linear and only followed one main plot, this one has up to three subplots going at once, none any less exciting than the rest, and meanders between them effortlessly for the most part.

 

Additionally, Martin Freeman is fantastic as Bilbo Baggins, with Richard Armitage, Luke Evans and Evangeline Lilly providing solid support. It's not all made of mithril though and the number one criticism I have is with the costuming and make-up, particularly of the elves and dwarves. Dying eyebrows a different colour than the hair is a terrible idea and it's so distracting when you notice it. Also, some green-screened backgrounds appear over-lit and fake. These issues are relatively minor though and the film more than makes up for it with its rollicking pace and spectacular action scenes, especially that climax.

 

There was applause in the theatre I was in and I think that says more than anything I could write here.

 

While I still don't believe it holds a candle to 'LOTR', 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' is a treat for any Tolkien fan whose willing to suspend their disbelief and just enjoy the journey to the Lonely Mountain.

 

Score: 8.5/10