The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug **** (PG-13) OK, franchise fans, strap yourselves in for over two-and-a-half hours of Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf leading an intrepid posse of dwarves on the next leg of their quest to slay the dragon and reclaim their mountain home...and the enormous pile of gold and jewels upon which he snoozes. It’s only the middle installment of another Peter Jackson-directed Tolkien-based film trio, so don’t be surprised when you’re left in mid-crisis when the picture fades to black. With that understanding, aim for a 3-D screen, if available. This is big-scale stuff - both the CGI and splendid, pristine landscapes - which that medium enhances.
If you haven’t gotten into these sagas yet, starting here is a bad idea; too much backstory to catch up on to relate to the players or understand the premise, including their considerable array of otherworldly obstacles. For those who saw The Hobbit, this one seemed to move along at a more effective pace, making its running time less of an endurance test. That’s always a good sign. Expect plenty of seasonal award nominations on the tech elements, and perhaps some nods for Adapted Screenplay. New Zealand’s economy should be safe for a while, with this one certain to keep the Tolkien cash-cow’s milk a flowing, tiding them over until the finale arrives next year. That must be a welcome relief for the sheep. (12/13/13)