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.
