The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Sequels aren't always desired by many. Sometimes it's because the first film wrapped up the storylines with no open ends. Other times the first film wasn't well received financially and/or critically. Either way, sequels will pop up sooner or later.

That said, Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a welcoming entry. Now don't get me wrong, I very much enjoyed An Unexpected Journey (unlike some people I know of).It just left me wanting more. (Granted, the ending certainly whets one's appetite.)

And The Desolation of Smaug not only fills said appetite but also leaves the viewer very satisfied. (Well, I'm only speaking for myself.) An Unexpected Journey might not have satisfied some The Lord of the Rings fans, but The Desolation of Smaug certainly will.

I just need to take this time to mention the work from Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular dragon. Yes, Smaug doesn't show up until much later in the film but holy hell, it's so worth the wait. I mean, if you have a voice like that, you might as well use it for a role that's absolutely terrifying.

Long story short, I just loved The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. There were a few things that weren't really needed, but they didn't change my overall opinion of the film. Oh, and there's one more thing. Think An Unexpected Journey ended on a massive tease? It's got nothing on the ending for The Desolation of Smaug.

My Rating: *****

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

I have a feeling that when the news broke that Peter Jackson was returning to Middle-Earth, fans of The Lords of the Rings trilogy rejoiced. Nine years after The Return of the King wowed audiences, Jackson brings forth a new vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's famed work. But is it worth seeing?

I myself am relatively new to Jackson's depictions of Tolkien's visions. I only saw The Lord of the Rings trilogy this past summer, so I wasn't blessed with seeing them on the big screen. However, I did fall in love with each one of them, which only made me more excited for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

But was I satisfied with the outcome? You bet I was. More than once as I was watching it, a huge smile crawled across my face. I was so happy returning to the world I first saw this summer. Of course, not everyone shares the same opinion as me. (A few comparisons to The Phantom Menace were brought up, but they weren't too severe.) Some think Jackson put too much (or not enough) in the film. I personally had no problem whatsoever. But everyone's entitled to an opinion.

Either way, I just loved The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The only problem I had was the fact I have to wait a year for the sequel. (I can't wait that long!) Also, I love how the film's almost three hours long, and it just flies by without any hesitation. Oh, and Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins? Perfect, perfect casting.

My Rating: *****

Heavenly Creatures

No matter what, I always love movies based on true crimes. There's just some strange allure at the acknowledgment that those certain events actually happened, particularly seeing what drives someone to murder.

Heavenly Creatures, one of Peter Jackson's movies outside of The Lord of the Rings saga, is about the case of Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet), two girls in 1950's New Zealand whose friendship reached the brink of obsession. Their motive for murder shows how deep their obsessive friendship was.

Both Lynskey and Winslet were newcomers in Heavenly Creatures, and proved that there are two new stars in Hollywood. They possess the innocence and imagination of young girls, but they also show that if you ruin their happy lives, you're going to pay a hefty price.

Heavenly Creatures is one of those movies that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. However, that grip loosens up a little bit because the narrative wavers towards the middle. It's still an impressive movie though.

My Rating: ****1/2