“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” Peter Jackson’s second installment of “The Hobbit,” was the top movie at the box office last Friday, but is receiving mixed reviews.
Jackson has received criticism for his decision to expand the classic novel into an epic trilogy, especially from J.R.R. Tolkien enthusiasts. Sophomore Erika Brown, a fan of the novel, said that while she enjoyed the first “Hobbit” movie, she has doubts about the three part expansion.
“I don’t know how (Jackson will) be able to maintain the standard of work he showed in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy with the stretching of the shorter plot of ‘The Hobbit’ into a trilogy,” Brown said.
The newest movie continues to follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, and Gandalf, Ian McKellen, as they accompany a group of dwarves in attempt to gain back their homeland, guarded by the dragon Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Jackson has taken information and plot themes from Tolkien’s other works to add to “The Desolation of Smaug,” including extended battle scenes and a romance between Legolas and an elf Tauriel, a character created for the movie.
Sophomore Peter Siepiora, a fan of the novel, said he was unhappy with some additions in the movie, including that “the love scene was a bit much.”
Siepiora said he enjoyed watching details from the novel played out on screen, such as the classic barrel-riding scene, but had grievances with how certain characters were portrayed.
“I feel like Smaug seemed smarter in the book,” said Siepiora. “The (dragon in the movie) was less threatening.”
Siepiora also said Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the dwarf company, was especially disappointing, claiming that he was used more as a plot device than an important character.
Despite criticism about Jackson’s interpretation, “The Desolation of Smaug” grossed $8.8 million last Thursday night, Dec. 12, for midnight screenings, less than the $13 million grossed for the first installment, but still placing the movie number one at the box office, according to the Forbes.com.
While some critics and movie-goers disliked new characters and aspects added to the story, the visual effects and sound utilized in the movie have been praised by others.
Junior Elizabeth Demay, who saw “Smaug” opening day, said she appreciated the visual aspects.
“There were many…trippy scenes in the film with hints at visual hallucinations,” Demay said. “The visual effects were exemplary and far exceeded those from the first ‘Hobbit,’ and added to the mystique, awe and thrill of this movie.”
Regardless of their reactions to the new movie, the majority of “Hobbit” fans said they look forward to seeing the last installment, and how it leads into the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.