Movie review: The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins' next stage of the epic journey leads him to the formidable dragon's treasure trove.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (M) 170 minutes

Strap yourself in for another magical fantasy ride.

The Desolation of Smaug continues the quest to take back the mountain Erebor, which began in An Unexpected Journey. However, there is no sense of drawn-out sequel about it.

For more than two-and-a-half hours, The Desolation of Smaug takes us on a wild action adventure with some of the most incredible scenes you will ever see on a cinema screen. The barrel-escape sequence, as Bilbo and the dwarves escape from the elves' lair, is spectacular as they crash down a river with the Orcs and elves in hot pursuit.

It is hard to fathom how this scene was shot, but don't let that worry you, just enjoy the non-stop action and excitement. The spider attack in Mirkwood is a touch more terrifying but equally compelling, as are the scenes later in the movie when we encounter the dragon Smaug.

We rejoin Bilbo, Gandalf the Grey and the dwarves in The Desolation of Smaug as they complete their journey to Lonely Mountain.

Through a secret door, they will find the gold-filled lair of Smaug and the jewel that is the key to reclaiming the dwarf kingdom.

Along the way to the Lonely Mountain, they must overcome gigantic spiders, the never-ending Orc attacks, capture by elves and unexpected problems in the human settlement of Lake-town.

Gandalf has his own issues to deal with as an impending darkness threatens the entire kingdom.

He makes his way to the Orcs' dark lair knowing he must confront whatever it is that is controlling the Orcs. Should he fail, darkness and evil will prevail.

So at every turn there is action, fighting and death on a large scale.

And everywhere there is Peter Jackson and the magic of Weta that brings this story alive and provides us with an amazing journey into another world.