The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Review - 3 Stars

Make no mistake, “The Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug” is a fan’s movie.   Those of you who walk in cold will encounter a lot of exposition leading to some pretty good computer action but you’ll need iron pants to survive the almost three hour running time.  Ian McKellon adds a dash of Shakespeare style as Gandolf the Wizard–who started this whole quest in the first movie.  Likable Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Boggins, the dwarf enlisted to aid the little people in regaining their kingdom.  Evangeline Lilly adds some interest as an elf warrior.  The story starts off with a lot of speechifying, builds to a thrilling encounter with giant spiders and tops it off with a talking flying fire breathing dragon voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.   I didn’t care much for the first movie as it merely stops  rather than pause to set up the next episode.  “The Desolation of Smaug” does better, ending with a cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting more.  If you’re a fan, that is.  Does it deliver what it promises?  More of the story.  Is it entertaining?  Some nice action and computer generated sequences.  Is it worth the price of admission?  For fans.