Review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) by Toni-Jay A — 31 Aug 2014

At this point in the prequel trilogy, things are really starting to feel like the prequel trilogy for Star Wars, which isn't a good thing. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is better than the first, no doubt about it, but it still struggles under an insane runtime, obvious side plot cuts and additions, and the studio's greed, which I guess can be tied to the second point.

This time around, Bilbo and the dwarves battle a terrifying dragon to reclaim the kingdom. Way back when the prequels were announced as two parts, it made sense. Sitting through the second film, it now makes even more sense.

There is just so much fluff and padding to justify both run time and a trilogy. There is more action, sure, and some of it is quite enjoyable, but it doesn't help justify. Not only that, but the laziness has seemed to kick in, because what were once makeup effects and practical sets has given way to very spotty visual effects.

Yes, there are some practical sets, but there are some effects that just look bad, and the HFR doesn't help either. Finally, there are certain side plots and subplots that are either filler or painfully ridiculous, like the obvious inclusion of a pointless love story.

By the time the film hits that cheap cliffhanger ending, fans are sure to be exhausted by this prequel series that surely hasn't justified itself.