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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Poster

Critic Rating

7.3

14 Reviews
13 Ratings
100%
in favor

Audience Rating

6.8
1 Review
15 Ratings

Movie Info

Director

Running Time

Language

English

Synopsis

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a 2013 epic fantasy adventure film co-written, produced and directed by Peter Jackson. It is the second installment of a three-part film series based on J. R. R. Tolkien's 1937 novel The Hobbit, beginning with An Unexpected Journey and set to conclude with There and Back Again. The three films together act as prequels to Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film series.Wikipedia

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Reviews

7

Despite its butt-numbing length - a solid 2 hours and 41 minutes -The Desolation of Smaug has a pace and a cohesiveness that the previous film, An Unexpected Journey, lacked. By the time the film ends, in a rather abrupt climax, you've forgiven its faults, and you'll be eager to see how it all ends. Until next year then...

Anupama Chopra
TheFrontRow

6

The good news is that The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is less laborious and more exciting than the first film. The bad news is that at two hours and forty-one minutes, it’s still a slog.It isn’t essential viewing. But you won’t be entirely disappointed either. Just come armed with patience and a full stomach. I’m going with three stars.

Shalini Langer
Indian Express

6

Jackson builds up quite a spectacle as he conjures up different lands, particularly the Lake People. However, as was the case with The Unexpected Journey, his eye appears to have moved from the characters to the circumstances they find themselves in, and you often long to care for some of them.

Rashid Irani
Hindustan Times

6

The film makes for a fairly rewarding fantasy adventure. It also makes us anticipate There and Back Again, the concluding installment of the series which is due for release at the end of next year, writes Rashid Irani.

The Hobbit series continue to exhilarate and astound with its ingenious tradition of tribute, technology and tenacity. And experiencing it in 3D certainly adds to the tangibility of knowing a hostile, intriguing ambiance. Evil was never this seductive. Nor second parts of what may produce a formidable finale after yet another 12 agonizing months of wait.

Magic is an essential part of The Lord of the Rings universe and magic is what you get the moment you put your 3D glasses on in the dark cinema hall.If you thought Ram-Leela was a visual treat, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

8

The film is supremely accessible and enjoyable, even if you who haven't read Tolkien. And surprisingly enough, to keep things from getting heavy, there are more than a few laugh-aloud moments courtesy the Dwarves. This one's a packed-to-the-gills entertainer from start to finish.

Although the running time is a little on the long side (161 minutes), the film entertains throughout. But the most alluring part and definitely the best scenes in the movie are those with Smaug, the dragon.

Rohit Khilnani
India Today

8

Peter Jackson's second film in the Hobbit series is a grand show and also a very well planned one. You can just sit back and watch the unbelievable experience in 3D, on the big screen.I have seen the film once and I don't mind watching it again. I suggest you book your tickets now!

Sachin Chatte
The Navhind Times

7

The visuals in the film standout and a particular action scene while the dwarfs are rafting in barrels, gives you your moneys worth.The length is slightly daunting and there are several portions which might appeal to only to fans of the novel. If you are not aware of the ‘fine print’ of the story you might end up feeling a bit desolate at times.

The good news – The Desolation of Smaug is much better and more exciting than the first Hobbit film. The bad news – it still is a lackluster and hollow movie compared to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

-

...feels wonderfully Middle Earthy and manages to be satisfying whether or not you’re a fan of the book. Jackson takes a few chapters with very little substance and turns it into three hours and ten minutes of magnificent adventure. The plot is threadbare, but there’s enough drama and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Reviewer Profile
BookMyShow

8

The story is so beautifully-told, that it will create this magical aura around you. Peter Jackson has literally individualized each Dwarf with a midas touch – Again a fusion of Tolkien & Jackson. Specially with Balin and Kili. Bilbo Baggins is in a league of his own. The “Bilbo” element will enthrall each and everyone of you!

Danish Bagdadi
Desimartini

9

‘The Desolation of Smaug’ is step in the right direction which only proves Jackson understood what plagued the first one from achieving fandom glory. The ending is my only major gripe against the movie, since it ends very abruptly, but I guess this is the nature of things which are borne from the difficulties of extending one book across three, three hour long movies. Go watch it, and if possible in 2D.

Audience Reviews for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

  • Sandeep Gupta
    Sandeep Gupta
    94 reviews
    Top Reviewer
    8

    Peter Jackson never fails to impress. He amazed us with immortal LOTR trilogy and my personal favorite the grand remake of Kingkong. With Hobbit 1, he set the stage for a thrilling adventure and with Hobbit 2 he has raised the bar again by his lucid imagination and magical touches. Like Hobbit 1, Hobbit 2 is also a long tiring journey often testing your patience but your patience is awarded big time when the terrifying fire breathing gigantic dragon Smaug appears on screen and you are glued to the 3D screen like a kid. His interactions with charming Bilbo are delicious. Out of the dwarfs Bombur makes you laugh without a single dialog. Other actors also fit to their relevant roles. But the movie belongs to the Peter Jackson and his technical team for setting up the terrific set pieces like grand water chase, flawless 3D experience and taking you to the world of magic and courage. Purposefully, at least four sequences are being kept open at the end so that you start counting the days for Hobbit finale to appear on big screen. Can't wait to be there and back again!!

    December 18, 13