THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG
Peter Jackson’s eagerly awaited second instalment of The Hobbit trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he accompanies the dwarves on an adventurous journey to reclaim their home from the terrifying dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).
CGI effects and camera work often make the action sequences feel like being part of a large-scale video game and filming with a faster frame rate diminishes the seamless integration of the special effects; something that was done so well in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The scale of the production and money that has gone into these productions makes for an enthralling film but at times The Desolation of Smaug feels like it is coasting along on the groundbreaking work that has gone before.
As always Howard Shore’s score is spot on and the sets are magnificent.
Packed with outstanding casting and grand visuals, The Desolation of Smaug is still the feast that fans of both Jackson and Tolkien have come to expect. (LL)
***1/2
