Hobbit 2 The Desolation of Smaug

Hobbit 2 The Desolation of Smaug

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 12/18/13

Reviewed 12/21/13 at Celebration North IMAX/3D in Grand Rapids, MI

with Denny, Brandon, Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The much anticipated second part to the Hobbit movie far surpassed the first one, we all thought. It was a delightful adventure that Director Peter Jackson picked up the pace from the first Hobbit. Long...yes...but it didn't have the feel of being overly lengthy. Most said it wasn't possible to make three movies out of the book, but if the third and final part is as strong as this film, then it will be the epic blockbuster success the creators desired. This was Brandon's second time seeing this film and he thought it was really worth seeing the IMAX version this go around.

The story picks up with Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and Thorin (Richard Armitage), the leader of the group of dwarves, all on a quest to place a visit to the fire breathing dragon Smaug. They are traveling under the leadership of Gandolph (Ian McKellen) for a time before he diverts to another quest. Bilbo of course is hiding the fact that he has the ring, although it comes in handy several times.

Of course their adventure faces off with many foes including the elves. The battles between these two natural enemies are amazing. I would take the elves with the fast-acting bows anytime. Pretty good they are! Captured and escaping the clutches of the elves, they are forced to team up to fight off the pursuing grotesque Auks led by the mystical evil-evolving Sauron. The barrel chase scene down the river between these groups is not the time for the refills as you don't want to miss this. But the showdown with Bilbo and Smaug the Dragon is a never-ending finale, but you don't necessarily want it to end. And end it does. With us hanging on for another year, this unforgettable sequel in the franchise is worth every minute. Even pay a little extra for the Imax if you have a chance. We all agreed it's worth the bucks this time around.

                                                                         

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJJ