Well there we have it; the spectacular ending to the 13-year long saga that launched the world of Middle-Earth onto our screens in blistering glory. I still maintain that it is a remarkable feat for Peter Jackson and his team to have stretched the relatively small book of The Hobbit (compared to say, Lord of the Rings) into a trilogy of lengthy films (though this is one of the shorter ones - at a mere 144 minutes long). Back in January, upon reviewing this films predecessor, The Desolation of Smaug, I concluded by saying that, though technically it was a great and pleasing film there were a few niggling flaws that spoiled the overall picture.
Nearly one year on and broadly speaking, in terms of the final film itself and in terms of an ending to this epic saga, I have similar feelings.
Let us start with the positives, because there are quite a few. Firstly, it was a joy to see so many firm cast favourites (from the first trilogy and the second) back in fine form for one final hurrah. Casting and performance-wise, I could not fault anyone. Though we have already established that Martin Freeman is great as Bilbo the titular Hobbit (and he continued to be so in this final film) both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films have always been spectacular, intricate and awe-inspiring ensemble pieces, and this finale reiterated that; each member of the ensemble shining brilliantly.
Yes Martin Freeman was great as Bilbo, as was Ian Holm as Bilbo 60 years on; the minute he was on screen right at the very end filled me with warmth and firm knowledge that both actors can now easily encapsulate Bilbo to a tee. In terms of other brief cameos - it was joyous to see the likes of Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, and Sir Christopher Lee back as Elrond, Galadriel and Saruman respectively. Not only did they remind us of why we loved them so in previous films, but they also gave us a little snippet of newness in terms of their characters that we haven't seen before.
Legendary actor and stalwart favourite of every Tolkien film yet, Sir Ian Mckellen definitely and deservedly went out on a high as Gandalf. His was probably the most satisfying ending to watch as his part in the tale is so integral, and McKellen's performance so loved - it was great to see Gandalf's final bow.
Richard Armitage I have found in the previous Hobbit films to be stoically solid as Thorin Oakenshield but not much more. This time he created a moving character arc from honour to madness to honour again all in one film - the results of which were very well done. Luke Evans' Bard grew into his own and reached his final full potential, and Thorin's fellow company of dwarves also reached the end of their journey too - again it was immensely satisfying to see their tales told. We even got to see a new dwarf in the form of Dain - played beautifully by the ever resolute Billy Connolly.
As with the dwarves, so too did the elves return with a vengeance. Lee Pace again was ever ethereal and commanding as Thranduil. Orlando Bloom was still ever-watchable as fan favourite Legolas (his newly added Hobbit journey was very well done and very well fitted into the rest of his story). And also completely fresh character Tauriel returned and resolved her story beautifully - all embodied in the wonderful Evangeline Lilly. Last time with the last film I picked up on the hinted romance and the distinct love triangle between Legolas, Tauriel and dwarf Kili. This definitely came back strong as an element of this film and again felt like a stop-gap to fill a few plot holes, or even to accentuate a story that did not need embellishing in such a way (more so in this film than the last I'd say). I can see why they've done it, and though it is not what I would have done, in the end it is done in a nice enough way and is just enough of a nice touch for them to get away with it.
Finally, I am glad that though the iconic dragon Smaug was killed, and killed rather swiftly in the prologue of this film, they did play to the dragon's strengths and to the strengths of the incredible vocal performance of Benedict Cumberbatch before the dragon met his demise. For this was a massive highlight of the second Hobbit film, and an integral part to the third.
In terms of the overall feel of the film - again broadly speaking a fitting conclusion. I do think they did go overboard in trying to justify their new Five Armies title. Not much subtlety about it - the battle scenes were meant to be massive and they were. Just about different enough in some places to set them apart from previous drawn-out battle scenes that Peter Jackson is famous for, yet there were also times when these elements fell stagnant, Having said that, the overall epic battle scale that was hoped for was achieved 90% of the time. The challenge then laid in infusing enough powerful plot to go with the battles. Again for the most part this was done and done well (note the stellar performances I have mentioned). Yet again there were a few times when I felt they were pushing it, and that they were trying too hard to justify making us wait and pay to see a third film. This slightly sporadic flow did hinder proceedings somewhat, but as I say overall the end result was good.
This final film was marketed as "the defining chapter" of the entire Middle Earth saga. Whilst I do not think it is the defining chapter (though don't ask me to say which one is) and although it is certainly not perfect, it is a pleasing and resounding end chapter. There may come a time for greater reflection on the whole epic six-film saga, but for now I shall say that The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies was a fitting end to what truly has been an incredible journey.
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