The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Hobbits and Dwarves and Elves – oh, my! It’s the second installment of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit Trilogy… 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. 2013. Rated PG-13. 161 minutes. Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Aidan Turner, Stephen Fry, Luke Evans. Directed by Peter Jackson.

The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring. [imdb] 





Nicole: Look, I’m biased. So, don’t expect me to poke holes in this film. I’m mentally and physically incapable of being critical in any way shape or form. I know some Tolkein purists have pick with Jackson’s interpretation of the source material. I can relate to some degree when I see beloved books adapted into film that fall short of my expectations. But, I’m going out on a limb here and saying Tolkein’s works are different. It would be impossible to faithfully reproduce every detail in his works. That being said, Jackson’s love for the material is obvious and his vision is absolutely mesmerizing. I trust every decision he makes, because he has the best possible motives. OK, I’ve blown enough sunshine up Jackson’s ass. (Peter, make the check out to CASH.) 

elizabeth: Now seeing sunshine blowing up Peter Jackson’s ass might be a movie I would want to see. I take that back. I don’t like movies that are dependent on out of this world special effects or Jackson’s butt.  Call me a movie snob. Go ahead. 

Nicole: Snob. So, where does this installment find our quest-harried dwarves, hobbit and wizard? Knee-deep in Middle-Earth, that’s where. Fighting off evil bands of Orcs and giant Mirkwood spiders, being imprisoned by Sylvan Elf King Thranduil (played to absolute perfection by Lee Pace), slipping into Lake-town on their way to the Lonely Mountain to do battle with Smaug, the dragon who guards the dwarves’ treasure and the Arkenstone. Got that so far, Cassidy.

elizabeth: Orcs, Mirkwood , Smaug, Bilbo and Thranduil – are these the top  baby names for  boys this year?  What happened to names like Bob, Dr. Dre and Ralph? 

Nicole: Those names aren’t en vogue. Let’s talk about performances. While this installment is mainly action, the acting doesn’t go unnoticed. Martin Freeman’s Bilbo is absolutely genius this time around—from the simplicity of his gestures to his building bravery, this was a role he was born to play. Richard Armitage’s Thorin Oakenshield is compelling. His is a complicated character we’re never quite sure to love or hate, but either way—you stand behind him, because he’s that convincing. Newly invented character Tauriel, played by Evangeline Lilly, is justifiably kick-ass. She fits right into the mythology and makes a valuable contribution. 

elizabeth: Time to make the donuts. 

Nicole: I see you’re positively riveted, but I continue nonetheless. Enough can’t be said about Jackson’s WETA team. From special effects, to costuming, to set dressing – this movie is a feast for the eyes. Just wait till you get a load of Smaug (brilliantly voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). Fanboys and Fangirls around the world have been clamoring to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and it’s no wonder –it’s pure genius. I find it hard to leave the theater after Jackson’s forays into Middle-Earth…wanting to linger a little longer in his imagining of Tolkein’s universe. 

elizabeth: Please get out of Middle-Earth and join the rest of us. And you can bring your new friends Thorin Oakenshield and Tauriel. I am sure they are in need of hot shower or two. I’ll bring the soap. 

The Film Fatales give THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG