The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The sequel to the slightly disappointing predecessor, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey just may be one of my favourite films of 2013!

The story takes place immediately after the events of the first film. It is continuing the adventures with Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves on a guest to retrieve they're homeland. Little do they know there might be a dragon in the way, but several other creatures are coming to get them as well leading to quite possibly the best film they have put out since Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King!

This film is pure entertainment! The first film took over 40 minutes to actually get itself started. Yes, I counted... This film does not have any of that whatsoever. It opens with a brief two minute recap and then boom we are off. The build up is over and done with and I am glad of that! I saw the film in HFR (48 Frames Per Second. This has twice as many frames as a regular film does.) and I do know it is hit and miss. One of the complaints many people had with the first film is that it made them feel nauseous and gave them headaches. I personally disagree. It makes the film look more like a British soap opera and it makes me feel like I am in the world of Middle-Earth. Martin Freeman is the best Bilbo Baggins they could ever find! He does look like the young version of Bilbo and he suits the character great! Ian McKellen is still great as Gandalf and his performance never disappoints. And the dwarves also do a good job and some of them do provide some good comedy. If there is one thing I want to talk about, it is Smaug the dragon himself. He is easily the best part about the film. I love both his voice and design and the battle between him and Bilbo is fun from beginning to the end. I can't really think of anything bad about this film! It never gets boring, it is fun and action packed and all the characters are so likeable.

Verdict: 5/5. This is what An Unexpected Journey should have been! I didn't like the first film and went into this film with very low expectations and it surprised at what this film had to offer. I'm a huge lord of the rings fan and this film hit the ball out of the park! It felt like meeting with an old friend. That was £6.45 well spent and I am excited for the last one next December!