The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Country: USA / New Zealand

Move Review: The third chapter of The Hobbit saga, “The Battle of the Five Armies”, issues a big challenge for the viewer: how to deal with the tiresome inflicted by the previous two chapters? Well, let me tell you that I found this one much more efficient and entertaining than the other two. Here, Bilbo Baggins and his alliance of faithful friends, try to maintain the Lonely Mountain safe from several evil enemies. This time, and unexpectedly, the forces of good will have a hard time dealing with Thorin Oakenshield, chief of the Company of Dwarves, whose blind greediness pushes him to the dark side, strengthening the dark forces formed by Sauron, the army of orcs, and vengeful flying-dragons. Pelted with fierce battles and adorned with the habitual imposing score of Howard Shore, the film delivers exciting moments and manages not to drag itself, since it wasn’t so extended in its duration to exhaust our patience. Of course there were a few moments of exaggeration, particularly in the last period, but I've left the theater satisfied with what I saw, and kind of happy for Peter Jackson had conducted this trilogy to a decent ending. However, I believe no one needs more Tolkien’s adventures for some good years, in spite of the undeniable visual awesomeness of the journeys. It’s a feeling that can almost be taken from this concluding part, where the pain felt for the ones who died contrasts with the joy of the victory. Enthusiasts of the saga are going to vibrate with it and remain faithful, while the ‘tired ones’ should give a final chance to this respectable conclusion.