Hobbit 2: Desolation of Smaug: tad too long, but not lost its charm

It is inevitable to compare Hobbit trilogy (which in fact, is just based on one single book rather than 3 books) to Lord of the Rings (a true trilogy). After all, they are authored by the same author. But in actual fact, it is unfair since LOTR is much more adult theme, and Hobbit is a children book. The story and the development of the whole series did felt like an adaptation of a children book. Sad to say, I would not take The Hobbit seriously compare to LOTR, since the main characters are all dwarves (and one hobbit), and the main villain is just one single dragon (way puny compare to the army of Sauron). Despite all these, I still enjoy the second movie, Desolation of Smaug.

I kind of forgotten how the first movie ended, but the story remain the same, Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves enlisted the help of Bilbo Bagins to reenter Erebor to steal the Arkenstone from the dragon Smaug. Erebor used to be the kingdom of dwarves before the dragon invaded the place and basically chase all the dwarves away (or eaten most of them). In this movie, they continued their journey, captured by wood elves, escapes, enter Lake town before entering Lonely Mountain. The group manage to enter Erebor, but in the process awaken the dragon Smaug (do dragon even hibernate?) The attempt to kill the dragon fails, and the dragon left in the end of the movie to destroy Laketown, thinking the people of Laketown is conspiring with the dwarves. Given some artistic interpretation, there are some new side story which did not exist in the book. Gandalf ventures off to discover the evil plan of Sauron, who is now strengthening his army of orcs. There is another poor attempt at love story between a dwarf and a elf which is totally NOT believable, and look totally silly. Girls would cheer the return of Legolas, which is also not featured in the book; but bringing him back is a good idea, since he still pack a punch, and fight with such grace. However, pitting him in the love triangle between the dwarf and elf is again, ridiculous.

Enough regarding the acting; everyone manage to hold their scene together. The action is great, the CGI is awesome. All the fight scenes involving elves are awesome, how the behead the orcs, and how they use arrow and bow in battle is simply captivating to watch. So, did the movie work well? yes, and no. Second movie in a trilogy always have this curse being the risk of people forgetting the setup of the first, and lack the closure of the third last movie. Desolation of Smaug suffers the same fate, however, still retain its charm as a fun adventure story. It still lack the depth and the seriousness of LOTR, but being a children and family adventure, it fulfills its task. Look past the few silly mistakes (elf and dwarve love story?), and we did enjoy the movie. It is still too long, running approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, with few sequences could be omitted all together.

Do watch it if you enjoy the first movie, The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey. If you are a LOTR fan, do watch it for old time sake and you still enjoy it. Otherwise, do watch it for the great cinematography plus watching Legolas fighting.

ratings: 3 half poink!
comments: lower poink due to the ridiculous side story of dwarf falling in love with an wood elf. However, the third final movie would be a blast, since the a great war, the battle of 5 armies will be featured there.