It: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) is one of the most anticipated fantasy‑adventure films of its time, blending **action**, **fantasy**, and **adventure**. Directed by **Peter Jackson**, and starring **Martin Freeman**, **Ian McKellen**, **Benedict Cumberbatch**, among others, this English‑language film premiered in December 2013.
Movie Overview
*The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug* is the second installment in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel *The Hobbit*, set in Middle‑earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins and company of Dwarves as they continue the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the formidable dragon Smaug, while Gandalf delves into the awakening of a dark, ancient evil at Dol Guldur :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Attribute Details
| Title | It: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy, Adventure |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | December 12, 2013 (Los Angeles premiere); December 13, 2013 (U.S. wide release) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
| Director | Peter Jackson :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| Writer | Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
Introduction
As the middle chapter of *The Hobbit* trilogy, *Desolation of Smaug* strides boldly forward with a darker tone, expanded mythology, and an epic blend of adventure and spectacle. Its release rekindled global interest in the lore of Middle‑earth and demonstrated that the journey was far from over after the first film :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Plot Summary
The film picks up immediately after the first installment: Thorin and his band, along with Bilbo and Gandalf, are pursued by Azog and forced into the dark, spider-infested woods of Mirkwood. Bilbo’s invisibility ring proves vital as he rescues the Dwarves—but at great personal cost. Elven imprisonment, a daring barrel escape, and a visit to Lake‑town follow, before the climactic confrontation in the Lonely Mountain with the imposing dragon Smaug. Meanwhile, Gandalf confronts the growing evil of Dol Guldur as Sauron’s rise becomes undeniable :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Production Background
Directed by Peter Jackson, the film was written by Jackson alongside longtime collaborators Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro, who originally conceived the project before departing :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Featuring an ensemble cast including Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch (voice of Smaug), Evangeline Lilly, and more, the film was shot across various locations and meticulously constructed sets to bring Middle‑earth to vivid life :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Reception & Legacy
Financially, the film was a major success—grossing approximately $959 million worldwide on a production budget estimated between $217–250 million :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. Critically, it received generally positive reviews: Rotten Tomatoes around 74%, Metacritic at 66/100, and IMDb rating around 7.8/10 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Audience feedback also leaned favorable, with CinemaScore reporting an “A‑” grade :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Fans frequently cite *Desolation of Smaug* as the most compelling installment in the trilogy—credited for its faster pacing, thrilling sequences, and the intense Bilbo‑Smaug interaction :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Accolades
The film received three Academy Award nominations—for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing—and won multiple industry and critic awards for its visual achievements. Notably, it secured a Visual Effects Society award for Outstanding Animated Character (Smaug), and was celebrated by the Empire Awards, IGN, and Britannia Awards :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Why It Matters
- Bold Middle Chapter – Balances character development, action, and narrative momentum between its two sister films.
- CGI Landmark – Smaug’s digital realization became a benchmark in creature animation :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Emotional & Mythic Depth – Explores darker corners of Middle‑earth, from Dol Guldur to political tensions in Lake‑town.
- Fan Favorite – Widely viewed as the strongest of the Hobbit films, praised for pacing and adventure :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
SEO‑Friendly FAQ
What is *It: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*?
It’s the second film in *The Hobbit* trilogy (2013), directed by Peter Jackson, chronicling Bilbo and the Dwarves’ journey toward Lonely Mountain and their confrontation with Smaug the dragon :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
When was it released?
Premiered December 12, 2013, in Los Angeles; released widely in the U.S. on December 13, 2013 :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
Who directed and wrote it?
Directed by Peter Jackson; screenplay by Walsh, Boyens, Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
How successful was it?
Grossed about $959 million worldwide—well above its $217–250 million budget—and earned nominations for three Oscars, plus multiple awards for effects and design :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
Why do fans love it?
Fans praise its thrilling pacing, epic fantasy atmosphere, and especially the terrifying yet mesmerizing portrayal of Smaug, often calling it the strongest film in the trilogy :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
Conclusion
*It: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug* is a pivotal, high‑stakes chapter in Middle‑earth cinema—deepening the lore, escalating the drama, and delivering unforgettable visual spectacle. Between its critical acclaim, box office triumph, and enduring fan affection, it remains a standout fantasy adventure that continues to mesmerize audiences around the world.
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