Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilli, Martin Freeman, Christopher Lee. Adventure/fantasy. Directed by Peter Jackson.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth.

PREVIEW REVIEW: With a title like that, you pretty much know you’re going to get 144 minutes of battles, with a few quiet moments filled with exposition that only the faithful followers of J.R. Tolkien will be able to decipher. So, let me ask, is there really anybody getting any metaphoric religious connotation from Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s works?

To be sure his never-never-fantasy land is ruled by those filled with mercy, humility and grace vs. those ruled by greed and all things treacherous. But let’s face it, this is an adventure ride dominated by epic spectacle and video-game battles. It is breathtaking to view until you’ve had enough, then we must simply endure until the final prophecy and the peaceful conclusion.

I don’t think anyone could call this a bad movie. For those who just can’t get enough superhero deeds and action, it fits right in with the works of Marvel comic books or any action/adventure moviemaker obsessed with CGI. It’s the cinema’s version of a rollercoaster ride. But if you’re looking for any true depth of meaning or a character arc, forget about it. We’re not supposed to be looking for inspirational dialogue or any true wit; we’re just to be immersed in the big budget and furry feet.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: New Line Cinema