The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Country: USA / New Zealand

Movie Review: The second part of Hobbit’s trilogy, “The Desolation of Smaug” was released in early December, following the example of the other episodes of the saga, with slightly better results than its precedent “An unexpected Journey”. The fierce battles to retrieve the dwarf kingdom of Erebor continue - in one side, the new ring holder, Bilbo Baggins, his 13 Dwarves friends, and the good wizard Gandalf; in the other side, the misshapen Orcs, the spiteful and gigantic dragon, Smaug, and the most accomplished fighters and sometimes helpful, Elves. By comparing this one to the first part, I can tell that a much darker side has been set up in detriment of festive humor, to the story’s benefit. The forests surrounded of darkness and shadows and the sinister atmosphere adopted, created a better impact, together with a hand of memorable scenes that filled our eyes with its colors, fierce fights, and magical fantasy. I’m remembering of giant spiders’ attack, some action moments involving the Elves, or the awakening of the dragon, so concerned in protect his occupied land and treasure from thieves. Other situations, in turn, were not so accomplished, like the battle in the river that immediately accentuates the notion of digital sceneries. “Desolation of Smaug” improved in many aspects where “An Expected Journey” failed, and Peter Jackson’s effort was noticeable to make the things right. Nevertheless, the film wasn’t always balanced, and most of all, was completely unable to surprise us along its invariably long 160 minutes of action.