The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Reviews Round-Up

The first reviews for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug have surfaced. The early reviews of the film seem to be mixed with the film currently holding a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics are finding The Desolation of Smaug to be a huge improvement over the first Hobbit movie, while other critics appear to be disappointed with The Hobbit franchise completely. Here is a round-up of some of the early reviews. According to TheWrap, "The Desolation of Smaug" not only surpasses its predecessor but also stands on its own; where "Journey" took material audiences thought they knew and made it feel foreign, this one creates a uniquely original experience that also feels securely familiar." According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Nearly everything about "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" represents an improvement over the first installment of Peter Jackson's three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved creation." According to Variety, "After a bumpy beginning with 'An Unexpected Journey,' Peter Jackson's 'Hobbit' trilogy finds its footing in this much more exciting and purposeful second chapter." According to IGN, "If you were disappointed with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey then The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the film you've been waiting for. It's a breathlessly told, action-packed crowd-pleaser that restores the luster of the saga for those underwhelmed by its predecessor and leaves you excited for the final chapter in the trilogy." According to Slant Magazine, "A once-precious franchise's weakest installment, which forgets these adventures' magic was never conjured by bells and whistles." According to the Telegraph, "The second leg of Peter Jackson's three-part adaptation of The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, is mostly stalling for time: two or three truly great sequences tangled up in long beards and longer pit-stops." According to The Playlist, "The truth is, audiences are going to approve of this sequel. It's entertaining, it's engaging and it's got thrills, but all at the expense and to the detriment of what stories, narrative and filmmaking should be about." According to The Guardian, "It's mysterious and strange and yet Jackson also effortlessly conjures up that genial quality that distinguishes The Hobbit from the more solemn Rings stories." According to Empire Magazine, "Middle-earth's got its mojo back. A huge improvement on the previous instalment, this takes our adventurers into uncharted territory and delivers spectacle by the ton. And in case you were wondering, yes, someone manages to say the title as dialogue." According to ScreenCrush, "I can't fully dismiss any movie with a giant talking dragon, but I must confess that I found the last film superior. And I didn't even like that one that much." According to Topless Robot, "As a fragmentary middle piece of something, it isn't complete unto itself, which makes final judgment hard. With that in mind, it is very fun to look at, especially in 3D." The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug premieres in movie theaters in the United States on December 13, 2013.