The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.

“The result here is that “The Desolation of Smaug” fails in almost every way, as a story, as an adventure, as a piece of art direction and as a visual spectacle.” — San Francisco Chronicle – Mick LaSalle

“The Desolation of Smaug is too long and too visually busy to be loved by any but a die-hard fan. Purists – those who treat Tolkien’s written word with Biblical reverence – may be horrified. A lot of the running around that consumes the running time bears no resemblance to anything in the books.” —ReelViews -James Berardinelli