The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

I love the LOTR, and I (liked) The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey. The Desolation of Smaug is a much better film than An Unexpected Journey, with the action and excitement starting almost right away, and keeping you on the edge of your seat for almost three hours. While there is less character development here than in LOTR, the characters are far from one dimensional (with the exception of a Dwarf or two), and you feel for them. The film has a lighter tone than the Lord of the Rings, but the element of peril is definitely still there. While the film does slow down two thirds way through the movie for a few minutes, it picks right up again once Smaug enters the scene and doesn't let you go until the credits start rolling. The ending is a huge cliffhanger and will either anger you, or leave you wanting more, or both. Did not feel like a three hour movie, unlike the first Hobbit. In my mind, Smaug stole the show, he was menacing, intense, and vicious. Very good movie, you MUST check it out!