Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves continue their journey to reclaim
​Erebor and take back the Arkenstone from the dragon Smaug.

ACTION/FANTASY

The Hobbit: The ​Desolation
​of Smaug (2013)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, ​Peter Jackson,
Guillermo del Toro

Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly,
Luke Evans, Sylvester McCoy, Stephen Fry, Lee Pace, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Aidan Turner

Sequel to 2012's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and ​
​Prequel to 2001's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien

Oscar Nominations - Best Sound Mixing, ​Best Visual Effects,
​Best Sound Editing

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Connor Eyzaguirre

December 16, 2014

8/10

This sequel was much more exciting than the first one. It had more action, a more compelling plot, and a giant fire-breathing dragon played by freakin' Benedict Cumberbatch. Who doesn't love that?

While I still don't think The Hobbit needed to be three films, I am glad they gave Smaug the screen time he deserved. The design team behind Smaug deserves a medal because he was the most glorious dragon ever seen on film. Combined with the golden voice of Cumberbatch, the villain of this epic tale made me excited about the franchise again and made me look forward to the finale even more.

Caleb Leger

March 6, 2016

8/10

The Desolation of Smaug is a massive step up from the first installment. With a more compelling plot, exciting action scenes, and the debut of the titular dragon himself, there's so much to love about this one. The cast continue to excel, both old and new, and the ending just makes you want to start the third one immediately. Overall, this is still my favorite of the three. 

The returning cast are once again fantastic in their respective roles, with Martin Freeman stealing the spotlight from his fellow actors. His performance of Bilbo Baggins continues to be nothing short of perfection. In regards to the new actors, they all do great as well. Evangeline Lilly is great as the elf, Tauriel. She may not be from the book, but she makes the character worth the time. Luke Evans also does great as Bard the Bowman, giving the role just the right amount of humanity. Now for the main catch, Smaug himself. Benedict Cumberbatch's voice work for the titular dragon is nothing short of amazing. He puts the right mix of menace and terror to the role, along with his unique voice. To go with the performance, kudos must be given to the team that created the dragon. Smaug looks magnificent in his big screen debut, creating a towering, and terrifying, threat for our protagonists.

Of the three Hobbit films, The Desolation of Smaug stands as my favorite.It featured the most compelling plot, the action scenes are some of the best, and Smaug is brought to glorious life. After the exciting climax to this film, I couldn't wait to start the final installment.