Winter Views...

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

I have just returned from watching the latest instalment in The Hobbit series, The Desolation Of Smaug. We went to a 3D showing at Altrincham cinema. Usually I am not that bothered about seeing films in 3D, but this seemed like a good opportunity to put it to the test and see if it really makes a difference.

I enjoyed the first film in the series of three, but having read the book, I couldn't help but feel it was being milked to make it span out for three long films, so didn't really have high hopes. However, I actually thought The Desolation Of Smaug was better than the first film, in that it wasn't quite so descriptive, and had more action in it.

It picks up where the first finished, when the group of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins, and Gandalf are hiding from a group of Uruk-Hai. They pass through the Mirkwood, an elven territory, and then on to Esgaroth, a city inhabited by men. They are smuggled into the city by Bard, a man who we later discover is a descendant of the last ruler of Dale, and owns a black arrow with the power to kill Smaug, the dragon who guards the Arkenstone (that is needed by Thorin to rule the dwarves once more). The film ends when an attempt to kill Smaug by drowning him in molten gold fails, and he is unleashed upon the city, much to Bilbo's horror.

As a die-hard fan of Orlando Bloom since the first Lord Of The Rings came out, it was always going to be a welcome sign when he made an appearance in this film. I also really warmed to the first major female role that was introduced, Tauriel, played by Evangeline Lilly as though she is an elf; a species notorious for being unemotional and cold, she showed a certain humanistic quality, taking a shining to Kili, one of the dwarves, and aiding in his rescue when he is struck with a poison arrow. For fans of the book though, her character has been added by director Peter Jackson, and as such seems a bit of an add on - indeed, the whole escapade into Mirkwood is played upon to add light relief and a bit of humour I felt. 

Esgaroth is a beautiful city visually, and especially in 3D I loved the scenes where wide shots of it were shown. The fight scenes were more realistic, and a few fun extras were added in for the benefit of the 3D experience, which I enjoyed. Overall worth watching, but I am hoping the third film is the best of the bunch.