Welcome to French Toast Sunday’s new feature that is all about YOUR opinions. Talk It Out is designed to generate group discussion on specific movies, general topics and other burning questions plaguing the movie world. We want movie fans to unite and bring with them whatever it is they want to say. Keep reading to join in our discussion topic.
Yes, the season of sequels continue with a trip back to Middle Earth. The Desolation of Smaug picks up where the previous Hobbit film left off and continues with the journey of Bilbo, Gandalf and the group of dwarves on a quest to confront a powerful dragon guarding an old kingdom. The special effects driven fantasy marks the fifth installment in director Peter Jackson’s films based on the work of the J. R. R. Tolkien book series. Desolation of Smaug seems to be garnering mixed to positive chatter from fans and critics.
In case you missed it, below you can see the film’s trailer and synopsis:
“From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company continues East, encountering along the way the skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous Mirkwood Forest. After escaping capture by the dangerous Woodland Elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all—a creature more terrifying than any before, which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself—the Dragon Smaug.”
Rob and I caught the screening of DOS and both enjoyed it. There were a few parts that I felt dragged slightly in the middle but they ultimately felt like necessary moments that better informed the story. While both this film and the first Hobbit aren’t movies I would generally want to sit down and experience start to finish all that often (honestly, that’s largely due to the lengthy running time though) I can enjoy repeat watches a lot if taking in the films in piecemeal viewings.
I find myself responding exactly how I anticipate I’ll react to all of the LOTR/Hobbit films. At this point, I sort of know what to expect from Peter Jackson and he never disappoints. His talent behind the camera really shined through in this latest film as well. He handles the scope and grandeur of the Middle Earth world in a contained but creative scope that I feel like few directors could properly manage. The effects in this film remained of a high caliber you’ve come to expect from the series.
Rob summed up a lot of my other positive feelings on the film so I encourage you to check out his full review here.
Have you seen the film yet or do you want to see it? How does it compare the the first Hobbit film – and even further, the Lord of the Rings trilogy? What were your favorite or least favorite parts of the film? Did you read the book? How does it compare? Feel free to let us know what you think or even leave a link to your review in the comments if you have already reviewed it on your personal blog.
