--- title: "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug" critics_score: 69 critics_reviews: 23 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013): what the critics said Critics' score 69 from 23 reviews: 18 positive, 2 mixed, 3 negative. Most critics agree this is a clear improvement on the first Hobbit film: faster, darker and more purposeful. The praise clusters on two set pieces. The barrel escape down the river is named again and again as the action high point, and Bilbo’s confrontation with Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, is where most reviews say the film finally delivers awe. The new character Tauriel gets more approval than an invented elf might expect, and Lake-town and Erebor are widely admired. The reservations are about length and shape. Several reviews call it half an hour too long and complain of a split narrative in the final third and plot lines left dangling for the next film. The spread is wider than the average suggests: eighteen positive against three negative. The Telegraph and Slant see stalling and blockbuster pandering, while The Independent finds Smaug puffed-up and ridiculous, a view a few admirers of the film, the Evening Standard and Collider among them, quietly share. ## Empire — Nick de Semlyen Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 6 December 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. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/hobbit-desolation-smaug-review/) ## Film Comment — Max Nelson Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 12 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.filmcomment.com/review-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 7 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/5064454.article) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Rating 4/5. 12 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/12/hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review) ## Time Out — Keith Uhlich Rating 4/5. 6 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug) ## Evening Standard — Charlotte O'Sullivan Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-film-review-8992470.html) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Todd McCarthy Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 6 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/hobbit-desolation-smaug-film-review-663372/) ## Los Angeles Times — Betsy Sharkey Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 11 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-the-hobbit-desolation-of-smaug20131212-story.html) ## RogerEbert.com — Sheila O'Malley Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-2013) ## The New York Times — Manohla Dargis Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/13/movies/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-with-ian-mckellen.html) ## Total Film — Matt Maytum Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 7 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review/) ## Variety — Justin Chang Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 6 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review-1200919206/) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 11 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/review-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug.html) ## Radio Times — Stella Papamichael Rating 3/5. 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. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-pix9s6/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/) ## Slant Magazine — R. Kurt Osenlund Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 7 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/) ## The Telegraph — Robbie Collin Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 7 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/10502508/The-Hobbit-The-Desolation-of-Smaug-review.html) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/film-review-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-12a-a-puffedup-dragon-but-no-magic-9000929.html) ## Collider — Matt Goldberg Rating B+. 12 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://collider.com/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review/) ## Den of Geek — Ryan Lambie Rating 4/5. 8 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review/) ## Digital Spy — Emma Dibdin Rating 4/5. 8 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a536437/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review-digital-spy-verdict/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 6 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/hobbit-review/) ## Eye for Film — Max Crawford Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 12 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-2013-film-review-by-stuart-crawford) ## /Film — Germain Lussier Rating 6.5/10. 10 December 2013. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/529242/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-review-pacing-issues-dampen-a-rousing-return-to-middle-earth/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug.md