The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

There are times when one must stifle one's will for the benefit of family harmony. Thus I was watching this film at midnight, New Year's Eve. Not part of Peter Jackson's usual demographic audience, my intentions were simple: sleep for three hours. No such luck! The boring sound of clashing swords kept me awake until finally the story itself began to pick up. The film's apex was its dramatic ending ~ a tease for the third instalment. The sets and landscaping were excellent throughout, and we were treated to some good humour and fine stunts.