Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The (12/13/2013)

Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images

Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage and Benedict Cumberbatch

Directed by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit)

WOW. Once again Peter Jackson completely transports the audience to Middle Earth…and I was glad to go along for the ride.

The storyline continues the events of An Unexpected Journey, in which the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) travels with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a company of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) into the Kingdom of Erebor, taking them through Mirkwood, Esgaroth, and Dale to combat with the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).

JONATHAN’S WORD: I loved the film. Funny, I’ve been hearing some criticism about the film from fans of the book, comments like, “Eighty percent of that movie wasn’t even in the book.”

TODD’S WORD: Maybe that’s why I enjoyed the movie so much. I haven’t read the book (hanging my head in shame).

JONATHAN’S WORD: I read the book when I was a teenager… so honestly, I can’t remember what was embellished. I just know I enjoyed the film. It was non-stop fun.

TODD’S WORD: Like the “barrel scene.” It had it all…action, comedy and some of the best special effects of the film.

JONATHAN’S WORD: So true. Jackson is a master at creating those fun moments. It reminded me of his T-Rex scene in King Kong.

TODD’S WORD: Peter Jackson knows how to keep that in balance with the story. From the battle scenes to Smaug himself, Jackson brilliantly weaves the special effects into the story so they actually enhance the classic tale.

JONATHAN’S WORD: And the characters only enhance it. I love when a film has likable characters. This film has literally a dozen of them. The addition of Evangeline Lilly was really fun as the “She-ra” elf.

TODD’S WORD: There really isn’t a weak link in the whole cast.

JONATHAN’S WORD: But then there was the cliffhanger ending. The story hangs so unresolved… probably the most unresolved I’ve felt since The Empire Strikes Back. (“What, Han is Frozen, Lando is piloting the Millennium Falcon, Luke quit his training, Darth is Luke’s Dad… and you’re leaving us with all of this!!!”)

TODD’S WORD: That’s so funny. My theater had the same reaction. I actually couldn’t believe all the groans. I wanted to stand up and yell, “Come on people, they took one book (the shortest of the 4 volume series) and made three, 2 ½ hour films out of it. Did you really not expect a cliffhanger?!!”

JONATHAN’S WORD: I groaned.

TODD’S WORD: No offense, of course.

JONATHAN’S WORD: None taken.

TODD’S WORD: Well, I absolutely loved this film and look forward to the final chapter! Excellent cinematography, a vibrant film score, an amazing dragon, and several biblical themes, like strong warnings about the lure of greed. It’s “Worth Buying.”

JONATHAN’S WORD: I agree. “Worth Buying.” I’ll just be happier when I have all three Hobbit films on my shelf so I can pop the next movie in as soon as this one leaves me hanging!

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this film is great for teenagers.

The spiders and dragon scenes may be too frightening for some viewers, but with the lessons and life principles discussed in this film, I would recommend it for teens.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. How did you feel when you first saw the massive treasure?


2. If you suddenly became very wealthy, what would you buy?


3. Why is Thorin warned repeatedly about the danger of greed?


4. Read I Timothy 6:10
   
   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
   
   What’s the difference between money and the love of money?


5. What can you do this week to be generous instead of greedy?