Review of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) by Patrick C — 11 Jun 2015

Peter Jackson concludes his trilogy adapted from J. R. R. Tolkein's beloved novel, The Hobbit. This exercise in studio avarice has been long in the tooth to say the least with each chapter stretched to the limits and padded with extraneous exposition. Unlike the previous two chapters - the first, too heavy on dwarve banter and CGI insanity; the second, propelled by the amazing Smaug in it's second half - this finale seems a more thoughtfully composed work. There is still way too much repetition of themes and motivations that drove the superior Lord of the RIngs films. And some plots are left completely unresolved! A major flaw I imagine will be corrected on DVD later.

But the pieces are exciting enough to let the audience enjoy this last trip to Middle Earth with the final confrontation of Smaug in Lake Town, a rousing battle with the soon to be ring wraiths, Galadriel and Saruman getting some action time, and a wild 45 minute finale with eagles, rams, trolls, giant pigs and a werebear. Legolas continues to defy the laws of physics - but it's all in the name of CGI thrills and one must know that going in.

While The Hobbit series came nowhere near the majesty of The Lord of the Rings films (which won 17 Oscars combined), the films can be admired for Jackson's continued success as a visual effects master with An Unexpected Journey's Gollum scenes, the stunning Smaug with his evil purr provided by Benedict Cumberbatch, and the chance to enjoy the visual wonders of Middle Earth - but I have a feeling that commerce will find a way back to Hobbiton in due time.