While there is a lot to admire in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, part two of Peter Jackson’s new Tolkien trilogy, it does seem to go on forever.

This reviewer enjoyed the first part, but not its length. Part two has more action and some excellent sequences but too many climaxes and then, no ending at all. The screen goes black and now we all have to wait till next December to see what happens next, no doubt in another almost three-hour film.

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and their 13 dwarf travelling companions are still on a journey to regain their old kingdom. But first they must make it thru the dark forest where they are captured by giant spiders and survive rescue, capture and escape from the woodland elves (welcome back Orlando Bloom as Legolas).

And all the time those nasty orcs are trying to stop them too. Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly scores as an elf helpful to their progress and is a welcome feminine sight after all those hairy dwarves.

Then they must confront the dragon Smaug (well voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) now living in their former home. A lot of the action and battles with the orcs are very exciting and well done, although sometimes the special effects are not quite up to par. But it just goes on too long. This is one journey this reviewer is looking forward to ending.

Rating: three deer out of five

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Alf Cryderman is a Red Deer freelance writer and old movie buff.