THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (Theatrical Release 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies settles into its rhythm as dwarves defend their right to the mountain. This movie is not quite as good as its two prequels but is a necessary watch to conclude the story. The characterization is deeply drawn. There are terrific depictions of the fight between good and evil both on the individual and national level. There is no lack in cinematography skill, epic scenes of grand proportion, outstanding special effects, and highly imaginative costuming. Imagination plays at a high level of confidence here. There is no lack in entertainment value. The movie provokes deep reflection on what it means to be good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The five armies gather for their portion of the mountain and the wealth it contains. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner, Fran Walsh, and Peter Jackson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch), Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly),  Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans), Thranduil (Lee Pace), Master of Lake-town (Stephen Fry), Legolas Greenleaf (Orlando Bloom), Dwalin (Graham McTavish), Balin (Ken Stott), Kili (Aidan Turner), Fili (Dean O’Gorman), Dori (Mark Hadlow), Nori (Jed Brophy), Ori (Adam Brown), Oin (John Callen), Gloin (Peter Hambleton), Bifur (William Kircher), Bofur (James Nesbitt), Bombur (Stephen Hunter), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), Radagast the Brown (Sylvester McCoy), Azog the Defiler (Manu Bennett), Bolg (Lawrence Makoare), Galion (Craig Hall), Alfrid (Ryan Gage), Bain (John Bell), Braga (Mark Mitchinson), Narzug (Ben Mitchell), Fimbul (Stephen Ure), Elros (Robin Kerr), Feren (Simon London), Saruman the White (Christopher Lee), and Bill Ferny (Dallas Barnett).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The hobbit movies easily reach high classic entertainment value. This movie sums up the series and wraps the story into its conclusion. It includes some of the best dragon scenes to ever have appeared on screen. It’s one of those rare movies that work as pure entertainment as well as an intellectual watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers