Smaug and stunning spectacle make this a thrilling, if overlong, middle chapter.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Critical reception for The Desolation of Smaug is broadly positive, with most reviewers agreeing it is a significant improvement over the first Hobbit film in terms of pace and excitement. The dragon Smaug and the film's large-scale visuals and action sequences drew frequent praise, with several critics highlighting the entertainment value of the experience on the big screen. The most common criticisms center on the film's considerable runtime, an abrupt ending, and a perceived shallowness of character development compared to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. A handful of reviewers noted that certain stretches may alienate those unfamiliar with Tolkien's source material.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 13 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
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...
Top critic
Film review ·
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.
Top critic
Film review ·
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.
Top critic
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
'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.
Film review ·
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!
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
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!
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
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.
Film review ·
...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.
From our readers
14 ratings · user score 6.7
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!!
Credits
Ian McKellenGandalf the Grey
Martin FreemanBilbo Baggins
Richard Armitage
Benedict CumberbatchSmaug and the Necromancer
Orlando Bloom
Evangeline Lilly
Lee Pace
Luke Evans
Ken Stott
James NesbittEnglish films like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
SeriesThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2014
X-Men: Days of Future Past
2014
Doctor Strange
2016
The Jungle Book
2016
Ant-Man and the Wasp
2018
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
2022
Black Panther
2018
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2015
Wonder Woman
2017
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
2016
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
