Let us call it the kamasutra syndrome.That, just like the addition of the word 'kamasutra' in a film title weighs in sex scenes, so has the inclusion of 3D lead to catastrophic flippancy in screenplay. Which is a pity, for JRR Tolkein's The Hobbit is a gem of a book (380 odd pages) - complete, strong and intensely delicious fantasy. Then there is the matter of fusing The Hobbit movies as a prequel to the LOTR films, leading to unnecessary u turns in to Sauron's resurgence, all adding on to the three hour running time. This is a band of film reel elastic that needed much trimming. Two three hour parts would have easily done it.The screenplay's deviations and additions (female interest, Legolas returns) to the original story has sprung no pleasant surprises yet.
2D, where is thee?
Watching The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug made me yearn for the good old days of 2D storytelling. After all Peter Jackson showcased his path breaking, often subtly plagiarized Lord of the Rings trilogy in this simpler format.In contrast, The Desolation of Smaug reeks of choosing trite video game action (the barrel chase sequence; anything goes) over story under the weight of showcasing upgraded 3D. Prolonged face offs, though at many times impressive (Smaug as impressive as the director's Gollum and King Kong), numb the storytelling.
Plus points
Jackson's genius lies in character build up and the action design. Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) is the main attraction here and the saving grace.The uncanny aesthetic sense in special effects shines through again.The performances are all spot on, the Howard Shore music is a bit too familiar now.
Summation
On a whole, The Desolation of Smaug is an entertaining action fantasy with many great moments.Those looking for memorable lingering episodes, locations and characters from the book - forget it. Beorn, Mirkwood, Lake Town are all causalities.
Yet, Peter Jackson still has a standard and this one is certainly worth a watch. If only the director hadn't treated the tale as a light, children's yarn, leading to cinematic mitigation of the 'watch and forget' kind.
Watch out for
Bilbo stumbling over hills of gold and a dragon's body unraveling amongst it all.
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