Author
J.R.R. Tolkien is no stranger to the literature community. His contribution to
the world of fantasy and adventure has won the hearts of many avid book
readers. His two most famous works are The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings which
he wrote in the 1940s and 1950s. Filmmakers took the opportunity to capitalize on
its popularity by adapting into film the three volumes from Lord of the Rings series
in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Two years ago, The Hobbit (which is a prequel to the
Lord of the Rings) was released in cinemas. The book was divided into three
films which were released every subsequent year in 2012, 2013, and finally
2014.
After
An Unexpected Journey (2012) and The Desolation of Smaug (2013), the final
chapter hits the big screen with The Battle of the Five Armies. As usual,
director Peter Jackson is at the helm just as he was on the previous two films and
the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Returning cast members include 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, and Orlando Bloom. The screenplay was written by
Jackson, Fran Walsh, Phillippa Boyens, and Guillermo Del Toro.
Will
the final chapter be a film of epic proportions? Do read on…
 |
| Martin Freeman is the lead role of the Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins |
SYNOPSIS:
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin
Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from
the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the
world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men,
women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed
treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo's frantic
attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and
dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but
the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron 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 in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth
hangs in the balance.
 |
| Actor Luke Evans (Bard) and Orlando Bloom (Legolas) in a scene from the film |
SCRIPT:
As
the film is based on a novel, I believe the writers will stay true to the story’s
plot. I have never read the book but to my knowledge, some characters were
added to ‘spice’ up the film. Nevertheless, it would be tricky for the writers
to make the script as interesting as possible. I am pleased to say that they
did an excellent job. For a story which is set in a mythical fantasy land, the
script manages to sustain my interest from scene to scene. The dialogue is not
too complicated and far-fetched as one might expect but easily understandable
throughout. Writing such a story material might result in isolating non-fans
but it doesn’t. Everyone can relate to the story being told in the film. Good
characterization for the roles. However, in order to understand the third film,
you need to watch the first film An Unexpected Journey (2012) and The
Desolation of Smaug (2013) to understand key plot points. There are some good
thematic elements within like teamwork, bravery, and courage which was good.
 |
| Richard Armitage in a strong performance as Thorin Oakenshield |
ACTING:
For
an ensemble cast of stars, everyone shone in the film. It is very hard to
single out one good performance but if I were to select one, it would be
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. His character was required to be the
opposite of who he was in the first two films and he did this convincingly
enough with his acting. Seeing veteran talented actors Ian McKellen, Cate
Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and Christopher Lee together on-screen was certainly a
delight.
 |
| Veteran British actor Ian McKellen as the wizard Gandalf the Grey |
FILMING:
When
watching a Peter Jackson directed film, one can expect epic and grand scale
filmmaking. And just like his other film, he delivers. The cinematography was
very good and could easily transport the audience to the world of the film. The
editing was snappy. The visual effects was spectacular and functioned well in
enhancing the story. Great music to keep the audience engage in certain scenes.
 |
| Director Peter Jackson and actor Martin Freeman on the set of the film |
PACING:
Good
pacing from start to finish. For a film that is 144 minutes in duration, it did
not feel that long.
TONE (MOOD):
A
group of unlikely heroes and misfits set out to save their homeland from
monstrous invaders and tyrants.
 |
| Evangelline Lilly as Tauriel |
DOWNSIDE:
If
you don’t like fantasy action adventure films, this might not be your cup of
tea.
UPSIDE:
For
fans of the author and the series, you would like this film. Also, one does not
need to be a fan of the books to like the film as the action adventure
storyline is truly a delight.
 |
| Epic visual effects on a grand scale |
OVERALL:
In
conclusion, the film lived up its expectations of grandeur and adventure!
RATING:
8.5
out of 10
