The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

PG-13

2013

2h 40m

Fantasy

Adventure

Drama

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Popcornmeter

74%

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251 Reviews

85%

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250,000+ Ratings

Having survived the first part of their unsettling journey, Bilbo Baggins and his companions continue east. More dangers await them, including the skin-changer Beorn and the giant spiders of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain, where they face the greatest danger of all: the fearsome dragon Smaug.

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Critics Consensus

While still slightly hamstrung by "middle chapter" narrative problems and its formidable length, The Desolation of Smaug represents a more confident, exciting second chapter for the Hobbit series.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/05/2017

Jackson managed to do something that I never thought was possible--make me care about a Hobbit tale. He also delivered one of the best cliffhangers of the year. Kudos to that.

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Max Nelson

Film Comment Magazine

01/14/2014

Nearly everyone in the film is creaking under the weight of the past.

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Bruce Diones

The New Yorker

12/30/2013

The tale has no emotional resonance, and the thinness of the plot (only five of the book's chapters are adapted here) and the colorless depictions of the leading characters do it no favors.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

10/17/2024

4/5

The continued character development is another perk of the patience of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

08/19/2024

B-

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug was anything but impressive. Just because you have the resources and abilities to do anything with CGI, doesn’t mean you should go crazy with it.

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Iván Kazi

EscribiendoCine

12/07/2022

9/10

This sequel compensates and amply exceeds its predecessor. [Full review in Spanish]

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Kurt D

Jan 12

Great story and acting, wish it was the extended version.

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Ivan

Jan 11

Without spoilers. There is a lot that is not in the book of course. The Smaug scenes are amazing but it can be much shorter

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Movie Guy

Jan 11

Great on the big screen.

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Lucy

Jan 11

Love love love this movie

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 13

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a solid sequel that improves on the first film in several ways, especially in terms of pacing, action, and overall adventure. It feels more focused and energetic, with a stronger sense of urgency as the journey continues. The film shines in its visual effects and world-building, particularly in the scenes featuring Smaug, who is both intimidating and memorable. The interaction between Bilbo and Smaug is a highlight and adds real tension to the story. There are also well-crafted action sequences, such as the barrel escape, which keep the film exciting and dynamic. While it still has some pacing issues and stretches that feel a bit long, it’s a clear step up in momentum compared to the first installment. Overall, it’s an entertaining and visually impressive sequel that delivers a strong fantasy adventure experience. I’d rate it a 7/10.

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Intellectual G.

@Intellectual Mar 31

Peter Jackson uses a go pro.

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Director

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Gandalf

Martin Freeman

Bilbo Baggins

Richard Armitage

Thorin Oakenshield

Benedict Cumberbatch

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Synopsis

Having survived the first part of their unsettling journey, Bilbo Baggins and his companions continue east. More dangers await them, including the skin-changer Beorn and the giant spiders of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain, where they face the greatest danger of all: the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Director: Peter Jackson
Producer: Fran Walsh, Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner
Screenwriter: Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), WingNut Films
Rating: PG-13 (Frightening Images|Fantasy Action Violence)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 13, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 25, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $258.4M
Runtime: 2h 40m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital

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