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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

‘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.