The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Review

So, just recently my siblings and I saw The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug!

Just so you know, I'm a hardcore Lord of the Rings fangirl. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are probably my favorite movies after the Star Wars saga. I loved The Hobbit: An Unexpcted Journey, but I don't think it, or The Desolation of Smaug, or There And Back Again (which comes out next year!) could ever touch on how brilliant the Lord of the Rings movies were. I guess the Lord of the Rings movies were just that kind of thing that only happens once, and can never be replicated. That being said, I still really enjoy the Hobbit movies. Especially this one - I think I liked it even more than An Unexpected Journey.

So here's a rundown of some of my favorite parts/aspects of the movie: (WARNING - SPOILERS!!!!)

I walked into the movie theater with high hopes for the characters of Legolas, Bard, and Thranduil. I was also looking forward to seeing Kili and Gandalf (of course). As it turns out, these five characters were the best parts of the movie in my opinion.

First off, let's talk about the Tauriel and Kili romance. I was unsure going into the movie whether it would bother me or not. I had heard rumors about it on the internet, and at first, was kind of shocked and put-off. An elf and dwarf love story? It just sounded a bit absurd. But while watching the movie, I came to think the relationship between Tauriel and Kili was rather sweet and cute. Okayyyy, maybe it was still a little strange. Especially when Kili is asking Tauriel if she could have loved him, even though they had only talked, what, twice? But then that happens in a lot of movies, I guess. But the big question is... do I ship them? I dunno. I think I could. It's one of those relationships that has to grow on you, I guess. We'll see.

Tauriel was pretty awesomesauce, btw. Her fighting skills - wow. ;) And Legolas didn't disappoint either. Some of his acrobatic fighting moves were pretty crazy, and fun to watch. (Like hopping from dwarf head to dwarf head) Loved it! *Big smile*

Speaking of Legolas - in good ol' Legolas fashion, some of his facial expressions were hilarious. There was one scene where he gives someone the squinty "I'm watching you" eyes. I laughed. And then the scene where he realizes he's bleeding - and he looks at his blood as though he's never seen it before. Well, who knows, maybe he hasn't. You don't often see an elf bleed. It must be really hard to get them to bleed, and maybe they see it as uncleanliness (notice all the elves are pretty prisitine, even in battle). Legolas' look of rage was a total look of "okay, dude, you just made me bleed. It's ONNNNN!" I couldn't help but laugh softly during that scene, whether it was meant to be funny or not.

Legolas is judging you

And then there's Legolas's father, Thranduil. To tell the truth, I was looking forward to seeing his character on the big screen most, I think. And he didn't disappoint.

What. A. Diva.

He is hilarious and majestic and spooky and creepy and a total arrogant jerk. And he's awesome. It doesn't hurt that he's played by Lee Pace. ;)

He is seriously one creepy elf, though. I personally would like to see a scene between him and Galadriel, and just watch all the creepiness that ensues. ('Cause Galadriel can be pretty creepy too sometimes) And then throw in Elrond. 'Cause, you know, he ALSO can be sorta creepy... Wow, I never realized it before, but elf leaders are a pretty creepy bunch.

Gandalf's scenes were A-MAZ-ING. Totally epic. Especially the scene where he's facing off with Sauron, and he has that white orb of light around him, but Sauron is too strong for him. Talk about an edge-of-your-seat-gripping scene. It was probably one of the most visually stunning scenes, especially the part when he sees the form of Sauron become the pupil of the eye of Suaron. One word: cooooool.

The whole movie, in fact, was filled with non-stop, heart-pulsing action. And I think it was darker and edgier than An Unexpected Journey. Bard was cool... though I must admit to thinking about how much he looks like Orlando Bloom during the movie. Oops.

Separated at birth? Maybe?

At least one is blonde and one is brunette

And I almost forget to mention Benedict Cumberbatch's absolutely perfect performance as Smaug. His voice was chilling and emotive and perfect. Wowow.

Anyway, as you can see, I really enjoyed The Desolation of Smaug. Throughout most of the movie, I was either smiling or on the edge of my seat - two very good signs.

Have you seen The Desolation of Smaug? What did you think? Leave your own thoughts or fangirling in the comments below!