Opened: December 13, 2013

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Stephen Fry, Orlando Bloom, Graham McTavish, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Peter Hambleton, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Cate Blanchett, Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Manu Bennett, Lawrence Makoare, Craig Hall, Ryan Gage, John Bell, Mark Mitchinson, Ben Mitchell, Stephen Ure, Robin Kerr, Simon London & Dallas Barnett

While the second film in The Hobbit series features fantastic action, it suffers from “middle film” issues – it has no true beginning and ends on a cliffhanger.

The dwarves, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Bilbo (Martin Freeman) continue to encounter many obstacles on their way to the Lonely Mountain. After being taken prisoner by Elves, an Orc ambush debilitates Kíli (Aidan Turner), though he’s saved by Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly).

Again, this film has a lengthy runtime with additional material not from its text source being added to pad. This includes Tauriel whom is a fierce warrior but is placed in an unnecessary love triangle between Kíli and Legolas (Orlando Bloom).

However, the true introduction of Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) is breathtaking and will keep you tense through the final moments.

Final say: A not-as-sturdy leg of a long journey. ★★★☆☆