Good Hobbits Die Hard
Film: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Duration: 2 hrs 42 mins
Rating: * * * 1 / 2
The second installment of The Hobbit trilogy directed by
Peter Jackson lives upto its expectations. Much like the previous film, this
one is also shot in 3D with a High Frame Rate (HFR) and the distinct quality
shows.
Now, whether it was right for Jackson to split this not-so-thick children’s
classic book by J.R.R. Tolkien into three films remains a subject of debate. It
could have well been condensed into a couple of parts at the most but box
office considerations had the better of it.
But there is no doubt that not many directors would have
been able to pull off a film of this scale. The special effects, the fights
scenes and the dragon Smaug will have you in awe. It takes off where An
Unexpected Journey (2012) ended and the quest of the dwarfs led by the king
(Thorin) continues to get repossess the kingdom of Erebor.
The hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is by their side along with the
wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) who parts ways with at the earlier stage.
The dwarfs
and Baggins have to overcome stiff resistance from the Orcs and then some
gigantic spiders. Smaug (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch) makes a rather late
entry, almost couple of hours into the film, but when he does, he has all your
attention.
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 manner in which it has built up, the last installment
which will release in a years time, should be a befitting finale.
Published in the Navhind Times on 15th Dec 2013
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