The Courage of Hobbits

Before we embark on my review of  The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, I have not read any of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. In fact,  my only other experience with "middle earth" is strictly cinematic. That being said, I have always been a fan. So, if you are looking for an in depth account or comparison of the movie to the book, you may want to read something else. 

However lacking my Hobbit experience may be, I was very much looking forward to seeing this.  I loved the first movie and had high expectations for this one and am happy to say I was not dissapointed. 

We continue our journey with the second movie of the trilogy with Bilbo Baggins and the dwarfs on a mission to defeat Smaug, the dragon that destroyed their people, as well as reclaim their land.  While this is happening,  Gandalf the Grey comes across a startling revelation that the most evil of evil is growing and a war of the worlds is eminent. The overall themes of courage, perseverance,  and not underestimating the little guy is evident throughout.

The visual effects are engaging and give it the epic appeal so many love while seeing this movie.  The towns seem life like and the infamous Smaug (extremely huge dragon) is truly realistic if Dragons did exist. In addition, you see this constant conflict man has with power. Now when I say man, I am referring to the different variations such as hobbit, dwarf,  and elf. But for all intents and purposes I shall keep this simple.  Back to my point.  Our main character has a secret throughout that he carries with him. It may be a small secret in size, but the power it has over him changes him and you see him loose the innocence he once had. The saddest scene is watching his reaction when his new self realizes what he is capable of.  Even with this evil power attempting to take over his gentle soul,  he does show how much courage he has that he nor others ever realized.  Facing evil creatures and a giant dragon isn't exactly a walk in the park when you are a hobbit.

Mr. Baggins is not the only one who has this battle with power. The continuing theme of power reveals itself in a number of ways.  This truly is a good verses evil movie in the most epic proportions.  It upsets you to see civilizations crumble in weakness over the temptations of power but gives you a sense of hope when you see unlikely forces working together in order to rise above evil.

I promise you will be engaged and left needing to see what happens next to this couragous hobbit and his newfound friends.