The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  144 Minutes (Extended: 164 minutes)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanckett, Ken Scott, Graham McTavish, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Benedict Cumberbatch

IMDB Rank: 7.4/10

Part 1 Time:  82 Minutes (Extended: 91 minutes)

Part 2 Time:  62 Minutes (Extended: 74 minutes)

Where does the first part end? Thorin (Richard Armitage) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) speak in the Erebor throne room.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Get out before I kill you!” Thorin shouts at Dwalin.

First line of dialogue on the second part: Thorin walks in the Gallery hearing voices. “You sit here with a crown upon your head, you are lesser now than you have ever been.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the battle for control of Erebor has begun between Elves, Men, Dwarves, Goblins and Eagles. Thorin struggles with involving his Dwarf group in the battle as he does not want to give up his defensive position. Will Thorin enter into battle to defend his command over Erebor or let the other groups battle for control?

Which part is better? The entire films plot centers around the Battle of the Five Armies. In part one, Smaug is defeated and various groups plan to take control of Erebor. Part two is predominantly action focused, highlighting key moments between characters throughout the battle. Part two is significantly better has the battle is concluded and the Hobbit adventure is brought to a finish.

Academy Awards: Best Sound Editing (Nominated)