It is strange to see that Bilbo is little focused on this film. In this film he acts more like the blank slate, the person who we are supposed to relate to, and the eyes we are supposed to view the world of the film through. And personally I think this little change works very effectively. Bilbo doesn't say much unless he takes part in a conversation or dialogue. Most of his words come through his expressions and actions, which really makes Martin Freeman such a dedicated actor to this character. Putting Bilbo in this kind of role makes the audience more invested in the film and take in the events that are going on through a certain point of view. It is probably until the third act in which Bilbo becomes a central character. On top of that we get small decent glimpses of how the One Ring, which he stole from Gollum in the first film, is affecting him. Thorin is more of the central character in this film. I'll have to admit he was pretty one note throughout the first film. Here is more developed, has more depth, and becomes more likable the more we do get to really know him and his backstory. The company of dwarves are given more development, little interesting subplots, and more time for the audience to grow and like them. Ian McKellen is great as Gandalf as he is always. He is separated from the group throughout most of the film, but his little side story is gripping and interesting as the other story. We get to see Legolas (Oralndo Bloom) again, and despite how cool it is to see him again, there really was no point in having him. He was not terrible or anything, but there was little development or motivation given to him. The other elf character, Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) is a lot more interesting and is given more development. As a new part of the Lord of the Rings franchise cast, Lilly manages to be fully in character and be hidden in it throughout on her first try. Another new character is also introduced named Bard (Luke Evans) who is not entirely that interesting. I do not know if it was the acting or writing for the character, but either get someone who could make more interested or develop the character a little better. Then we have the tyrannical dragon Smaug, whom Benedict Cumberbatch does a chilling and wonderful voice performance for. Cumberbatch has that deep booming but at the same time sly slithering voice that fits perfectly for the great beast. The design might look to typical and cliched for a dragon but the size of it is what makes Smaug massive, impressive, and even intimidating. You can really feel the weight of this thing when Bilbo first encounters it. Just a sight to behold. There are a couple of characters that did not do much for me, but the rest of the cast, which is the majority, more than holds up the film.
The film is just shot beautifully as is with the other Lord of the Rings films. The visuals and settings are truly a sight to behold. Director Peter Jackson surely knows how get good shots of grand landscapes. Whether the scene had a light, dark, or adventurous tone, the camera knew how to capture that moment and give it a grand scale. Along with the design of Smaug, a lot of other visuals such as settings, landscapes, and even indoor settings are pleasing to look at because the frame provides us with the perfect picture. I understand that the original novel of The Hobbit was meant to be for children, which explains the more goofy tone the first film had in comparison to the dark and dramatic atmosphere present in Lord of the Rings, which was more grown up. I felt that the first films attempt at goofiness and comedy sometimes fell flat, just because a lot of it seemed to be forced in. Here the comedic moments and the bits in which we feel comfortable laughing at seem a lot more natural, just because this time around they did not seem forced. The story is a lot more focused and better paced this time around, while at the same time giving little interesting subplots to other side characters that do not distract away from the main plot, but instead develop the characters to make them a lot more interesting to us and even furthering the story. Throughout the film, from beginning to end, there was always something going on that kept me interested and kept me glued to my seats. That is the sign of an entertaining film that is worth paying for!
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an improvement of and far more interesting than its predecessor. I would go so far as saying that even non-Lord of the Rings fan might be sucked in and just enjoy it as fantasy/adventure/action flick. It is not anything fantastic or revolutionary, but it provides a lot fun and your time will not be wasted. If you like or disliked the first installment, chances are either way you'll really enjoy this one. I was impressed in how much of an improvement it was and I think others will be impressed of how much of a decently paced film it is. I said my fill, so check it out!
GRADE: P+
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