Understanding the Basics of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"

If you're planning to watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug but haven't seen the first part, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, here's what you should know. The Desolation of Smaug picks up with Bilbo Bolger (Martin Freeman), who is on a mission to retrieve the One Ring from the dark master Sauron. However, he is aided by Thorin Oakenshield (Elijah Wood) and his band of dwarves led by the charismatic and complex Thorin. But who are the dwarves really? Are they noble heroes or just cunningly ambitious characters? And, can we trust their motivations?

Is "The Desolation of Smaug" Right for Kids?

While the The Hobbit trilogy is an epic adventure, the violence and some of the content might not be suitable for very young children. While teenagers and older kids might enjoy it, it's recommended to have a discussion beforehand to ensure that the themes are age-appropriate.

Evaluating the Movie: A Fan's Review

With a mix of praise and criticism, many film enthusiasts find The Desolation of Smaug to be a highly rewarding, if not entirely perfect, continuation of The Hobbit. Peter Jackson's direction continues the visual splendor seen in the first film, with stunning locations and spectacular battle sequences. However, some critics argue that the inclusion of an unnecessary romantic subplot detracts from the main narrative. Was the Tauriel-Kili romance necessary, or did it feel like a deliberate attempt to inject more emotional elements into the film?

Challenges and Criticisms

One of the criticisms often directed at The Desolation of Smaug revolves around the inclusion of new characters. For instance, some viewers find Thorin's character developments to be inconsistent, with his charisma overshadowed by his ambitions and greed. Is Thorin simply vengeful and greedy, or does he have other motivations? Additionally, the decision to add an excessively romantic sub-plot involving Tauriel and Kili has polarized opinions. Was it necessary, or did it just detract from the overall story?

Questions for Consideration

Ask yourself, what would you do if you were a giant intelligent fire-breathing flying dragon like Smaug? It's a question that hits at the heart of The Desolation of Smaug. Would you hoard gold, or seek out kingly duties? Are you a guardian of the treasure or a beast driven by greed?

Preparation for "The Battle of Five Armies"

Before diving into the third and final film of the trilogy, The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies, it's necessary to understand the background from the first two films. The Desolation of Smaug sets the stage for an epic battle involving numerous factions, each with their own goals and allegiances. Who are the five armies mentioned in the title? Do they represent the same forces seen in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Desolation of Smaug, or are there new players?

Final Thoughts

Peter Jackson, renowned filmmaker, concludes the Hobbit trilogy with a mix of action, emotion, and world-building. The film, though criticized for some aspects, provides a unique adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved literary work, offering a visual treat for fans of both the original books and the series at large. The Desolation of Smaug

Will you revisit Tolkien's Middle-earth after this series? The Hobbit films, even with their imperfections, left a lasting impact. And now, as the final chapter of The Battle of Five Armies brings the multi-film story to a close, what do you think the future of Middle-earth will be?