The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom. The Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his company of dwarves journey through Middle Earth, through Mirkwood and through wood-elves territory, to the dwarves ancestral mountain -- under which dwells the dragon Smaug. It is there that Bilbo -- the "burglar" of the company -- is designated to steal the Arkenstone, which will enable the dwarves to re-establish their kingdom under the mountain. The movie is the second in a planned trilogy, and thus all the stories are left in suspension at the end. In that way it is unsatisfying to watch, but in every other way it is superb. The film was shot in New Zealand, and the unspoiled landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for the story as dwarves and hobbit are pursued by a relentless (but not too bright) band of filthy Orcs on their journey to the Lonely Mountain. It's a propulsive tale with scarcely a quiet moment. Although it is two hours and 40 minutes long, it does not seem overlong, and it is difficult to find a flaw in this story based on the J.R.R. Tolkien book. (English subtitles for the hearing-impaired are available on the disc.) Grade: A-