The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The critic praises the film as a huge improvement that is moody, urgent and Ringsier, with inventive barrel action, stunning new locations like Lake-town and Erebor, and a standout Smaug voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. It remedies the inconsequential feel of the first film and puts Jackson back at the top of his game.

The critic calls it a marvelous film, better paced, emotionally richer, and more tonally confident than the first Hobbit movie. He praises the melancholy tone rooted in characters' attachment to the past and Jackson's detailed, virtuosic filmmaking style reminiscent of earlier blockbusters.

Rather than suffering middle-film syndrome, this is a freewheeling and exciting second film with breathless pace, entertainment and excitement in equal measure, ending on a dramatic high; technically superb and a romping adventure that connects well.

The critic finds the film tremendously enjoyable and a revelation in the Jackson-Tolkien fusion, praising its propulsive energy, genial adventure tale qualities and standout set pieces like the barrel chase.

The reviewer is a fan of the bombastic style; praises the improved pace, chaotic action sequences especially the barrel ride and the Smaug confrontation that delivers awe.

The critic calls the film a joy after a disappointing first installment, praising the spider attack, river battle, Bilbo's ring addiction, and the new character Tauriel. Some padding remains and Smaug is a windbag, but the middle section delivers thrilling bangs.

The critic finds it a clear improvement over the first film, with nonstop peril, action, and better storytelling energy for most of its length. He singles out the Smaug confrontation and added characters like Tauriel for praise while noting some bloat returns toward the end.

The critic calls the film a relief after the first installment's disappointment, set afire by the dragon and infused with eccentricity and electricity that keeps its nearly three hours humming. She singles out the improved storytelling balancing emotions with action as getting closer to the alchemy of the Lord of the Rings films.

The critic finds the film achieves the potent fantasy Tolkien described, particularly in the dragon confrontation and thematic elements, while noting it is about a half-hour too long with a split narrative in the final third. She singles out the jubilant barrel escape sequence and a moment of natural beauty atop the trees for praise.

The critic notes the film feels like a sprint compared to the first installment and turns five chapters into a relentless adventure tale full of action and Elven gymnastics. She singles out the casting and additions like Legolas and Tauriel for providing energy, while critiquing some elements like the Elvenking as a bore.

The critic notes it suffers from middle-act wobbles and lacks a satisfying arc or much character development but delivers rousing action, incredible visuals, and one stupendous dragon. It remains a cut above standard blockbuster fare with plenty to enjoy for committed fans.

The critic says the film finds its footing as a much more exciting and purposeful second chapter with forward momentum and 3D thrills culminating in the dragon confrontation. He singles out the barrel escape sequence as the action high point with giddy exuberance, while noting it improves on the predecessor but remains overly protracted at times.

The critic sees it as still bloated but a massive improvement, filled with inventive action set pieces and dramatic face-offs that finally engage. He singles out the Bilbo-Smaug confrontation for its fun, tense, and menacing quality.

The critic finds the film frustrating due to uneven dramatic tension and characters pushed to the background, but praises the visual realisation of Middle-earth and action scenes, plus the addition of Tauriel.

The critic calls it the weakest installment in the franchise, criticizing its over-reliance on busy, nuance-free set pieces and blockbuster pandering. He praises the Smaug sequence and certain Tolkien-esque moments for their spectacle and historical depth.

The critic views it as mostly stalling for time with a few great sequences buried in long stretches, criticizing the padding of the source material and Jackson's additions like the orc chase and new characters.

The critic finds the film bloated and unsatisfying as a 161-minute middle chapter that ends on a cliffhanger without economies of scale in storytelling. Action sequences and Middle-earth visuals are engaging but Smaug is criticized as a puffed-up and ridiculous character.

The critic finds it a fleet-footed, thrilling second chapter that expands the world effectively after a weaker first film. He singles out the wild action sequences and new character Tauriel for praise while noting flaws like an unremarkable Smaug.

The review finds the film brisk and exciting, delivering on the promise of the first installment while providing a compelling bridge to the third. It singles out the menacing Smaug scenes and overall sense of danger for praise.

The critic describes it as darker, zippier, and wittier than its predecessor, with breathless action and shrewd character building. The fully realised Smaug, voiced and performed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is highlighted as a standout triumph.

The film is a clearer and more engaging sequel than its predecessor, creating a rousing immersive experience with strong emotional engagement. The critic singles out the new character Tauriel for providing an emotional core and praises the action set pieces, particularly the barrel chase sequence.

A vast improvement on the first film and a fun adventure outing, with a spectacular Smaug-filled finale and kinetic action sequences like the barrel escape.

A mixed bag that improves on the first film's action and scope but suffers from horribly uneven pacing and dangling plot lines; Smaug is a highlight.