The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug – All surface and no epic?

When the Hobbit was released just over a year ago it certainly had some big shoes to fill after the success of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Anyone who is familiar with the books will tell you, The Hobbit is somewhat different and is clearly aimed at a younger age group.

When you consider the differences, it really isn’t fair to draw comparisons between Peter Jackson’s latest venture with the hugely successful LotR trilogy. Regardless, comparisons were drawn and for those expecting an epic similar to that which sees Frodo and co battle against all manner of horrible creatures, in a bid to destroy the ring and return peace to Middle Earth, many were disappointed.

The LotR was a masterpiece, crammed with show stopping performances, realistic effects and an epic feel that was worthy of a trilogy that came to some 10 and a half hours. From beginning to end there was a feel that we, the viewers, were also taking the journey to Mordor, as we struggled to overcome Orcs, goblins and even Gollum.

Action packed CGI

The fact is, The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey lacked any of the things that made the LotR epic. The acting was mediocre and the characters were easily forgettable. What the Hobbit did have was much CGI as a hobbit has meals and action from beginning to end. Enough to keep younger eyes glued to the cinema and desperate for mum to take them back for a second viewing and whilst many older viewers may not have been that impressed by the 48fps (frames per second) that was supposed to be part of the attraction, the kids seemed to love it.

So, the question is, what does the sequel have to offer? Well, without giving anything away, more of the same. There will also be the reintroduction of some of the races that you know and love from LotR and a character or two who you will no doubt recognise.

Movies vs books

If you are one of those who can’t bear to see a movie that doesn’t stick exactly to the book, you may also be a tad disappointed, as you can expect to see some differences on that score as well.

The Desolation of Smaug is likely to be another fast paced crazy part of the tale which sees Bilbao, Gandalf and the dwarves get into all manner of sticky situations, in another digitally enhanced, almost cartoon-like adventure. While the story from the book promises much, the movie is likely to be less about the characters and more about their wacky adventures, if part one is anything to go by.

Another Jackson trilogy winner?

Part 2 in this 3 part trilogy will no doubt see Bilbao get a little closer to his destination and to his fulfilment of his contract with the dwarves.

I would love to see the Desolation of Smaug look a little more closely at the characters and not fully rely on special effects as its prequel did. However, I think that unlikely when you take into the fact that they were all made at the same time. While the 2nd movie may have 48frames per second and look the part… well, I’ll leave you to make your own mind up.

If you fancy a trip to your local cinema whilst you’re waiting for the Hobbit 2 released in December this year, why don’t you check Showcase Cinemas to find your nearest one?