The third and final installment of the film adaptation based on the novel “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien. J.P. has his take on the Peter Jackson epic.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed by Peter Jackson
Produced by Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson
Screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro
Based on The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom
Studio Synopsis:
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves. The Dwarves of Erebor have reclaimed the vast wealth of their homeland, but now must face the consequences of having unleashed the terrifying Dragon, Smaug, upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. As he succumbs to dragon-sickness, the King Under the Mountain, Thorin Oakenshield, sacrifices friendship and honor in his search for the legendary Arkenstone. Unable to help Thorin see reason, Bilbo is driven to make a desperate and dangerous choice, not knowing that even greater perils lie ahead. An ancient enemy has returned to Middle-earth. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide—unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends as five great armies go to war.
J.P.’s Take:
Well folks, this is the end the last hurrah for “The Hobbit” series. The adventure began with the noble thief Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) embarking on “An Unexpected Journey” in the first film of 2012. It led him to the frightening escapades of “The Desolation of Smaug” the following year. Now “Battle of the Five Armies” closes out the chapter. All of which are ambitious and epic journeys sparked by prolific filmmaker Peter Jackson. Yet I am sure many J. R. R. Tolkien enthusiasts are wondering if “Battle” stands up against its forbearers.
In its entirety, the third sequel is much more condensed and packed with multiple battle sequences. So much so that I felt like I was watching a game of “World of Warcraft.” In fact, most of the film is about the wars between each of the factions.
Picking up directly where “Desolation” left off, we now witness Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) incinerating Laketown, while its people flee to safety. The first half of the film follows the courageous Bard (Luke Evans) leading the townsfolk to Lonely Mountain. The story also focuses on brave hearted Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) commanding his troop of merry dwarves on their quest to reclaim their homeland. We find Oakenshield stricken with gold fever as they discover the riches that lie within the mountain.
I’m quite sure this film doesn’t stick too closely to the source material. But then again, name many films that do. Still I give kudos to Jackson and crew for putting forth a valiant effort in pleasing his massive fan base, which includes “Battle’s” many epic war scenes, spectacularly rendered creatures, and set pieces that succeed in visual appeal. As I’ve mentioned in a preview review for “The Desolation of Smaug,” Jackson definitely has the wherewithal to pull this off. Not having read the novels myself, I’m not totally unfamiliar with some of the material. For instance, Bilbo usually is the center of attention, as he was with the first two prequels. Here his chucklesome personality isn’t as prominent this time around. In fact, he’s mostly in the background, amid Bard’s and Thorin’s story. For the completist, this may be a disappointment factor, as they may expect to see more of his antics lightening the mood. There is a moment that proves trippy as Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) and Saruman (Christopher Lee) all confront “The Shadow.” I felt as though I were going through a psychedelic acid trip.
Purists may, however, rejoice in the reprisal of familiar loveable characters. Luke Evan’s character of Bard is the focus this time around. He provides the hope and steadfastness needed for the townsfolk to fight on. McKellen’s Gandalf is still the wise and unflinching wizard, who continues his fight again a supernatural creature called “The Shadow”; while Galadriel’s powers have strengthened tremendously. Evangeline Lily makes her way to the forefront again as the elf warrioress Tauriel, who is just as slick and stealthy with love for the dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner). Orlando Bloom reprises the never aging role of Legolas, who’s even more defiant.
The second “Hobbit” film was multifaceted and more adventurous, where as “The Battle of Five Armies” held a sentimental feel, which was summed up quickly. Again, the purist may feel a bit slighted by the less homey atmosphere here. Although I felt it was fantastic to watch the many creatures and characters clashing, I did want more of an adventure worthy of its forerunners.