This week, one of the most anticipated films of the year
roars to the big screens in the form of THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG.
Here is everything you need to know by way of the frequently asked questions:
What is this all
about? THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (Smaug with the au pronounced as an ow), is
the second part of three films covering famed author JRR Tolkien’s beloved
book, THE HOBBIT. This second film continues the adventure of a hobbit, Bilbo
Baggins, and his companions, consisting of vengeful dwarves and a wandering
wizard, to rid the dwarven homeland of the wicked dragon Smaug.
Who is behind this? Director/writer
Peter Jackson, who made Oscar and box office history with his adaptation of Tolkien’s
THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy (2001-2003), returns for his fifth trip into
Middle-Earth. Composer Howard Shore also returns for his fifth trip.
Who is in this? Martin
Freeman, who recently starred in this year’s AT WORLD’S END, reprises a young
Bilbo Baggins, a role which was originated by Ian Holm in THE LORD OF THE RINGS
and the first HOBBIT film. Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the wizard, and
Richard Armitage returns as the leader of the dwarven company, Thorin. The voice
of Smaug is provided by the talented Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch, who
appeared in this year’s STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, and Oscar-nominated films such
as ATONEMENT and TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, also provided motion-capture for
the dragon’s movements.
How is this being
presented? As explained here on Reel Speak, THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG will be
presented in several formats; including but not limited to 2D, 3D, 3D IMAX, and
the divisive High Frame Rate (HFR) format. Be careful which tickets you buy.
Why three movies for
such a small book? In addition to the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, Peter
Jackson and his writing partner Phillipa Boyens (who co-wrote THE LORD OF THE
RINGS with Jackson), dove into JRR Tolkien’s expansive writings on the history
of Middle-Earth; further fleshing out the lore of the world these characters
live in and telling the many side-stories which take place during the time of
the original HOBBIT story. This makes THE HOBBIT not only the adventure of
Bilbo Baggins and his companions, but a true prequel to THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
More Middle-Earth is always a good thing.
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THE HOBBIT opens wide December 13th. 
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