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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014), PG-13, ★★★

Bilbo (Martin Freeman) making a decision.
You know what, I'm not going to delay you with my thoughts regarding why this Hobbit book was divided into three movies. I do not think it is a great franchise, but, it has a solid conclusion to the end of the series before another journey will begin in The Fellowship of the Ring.

Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the Dwarves get out and watch from the Lonely Mountain to see Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) destroy Laketown, while their leader, Thorin (Richard Armitage) cannot watch. However, Bard (Luke Evans) tries to break out of imprisonment as his children go with Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) and others and then, afterwards, he slays the dragon which smothers most of the city. The survivors of Laketown declare Bard to become their new leader.

Kili (Aidan Turner) and the other Dwarves head back to the Company and asks Tauriel to join in. Legolas (Orlando Bloom) interferes and tells her to leave Kili as he hands over the medallion to her as a symbol of the day when they first met. In the mountains, the Dwarves return to Bilbo, who tells them that Thorin may be sick when searching for the Arkenstone. Bilbo had it all along and keeps it away from Thorin.

As the Orcs and their leader Azog (Manu Bennett) are marching toward Erebor, Bolg (John Tui) arrives to inform that the Elvish army is getting closer. Azog orders Bolg to arrange to big army of Orcs. In Dol Gadur, Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellan) is trapped by Orcs until Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) defeats an Orc and frees him and then the Nazgul arrive to fight them until Elrond and Saruman (Hugo Weaving and Christopher Lee) knows what to do with them and take care of it. Galadriel tends to Gandalf and encompasses her powers to Gandalf and weakens.

Meanwhile, Bard goes to Lonely Mountain to arrive and warn Thorin to join forces with him and his people and he refuses to listen to Thorin. And, they all prepare for battle as Thorin gives Bilbo a mithril vest (a vest that'll avoid being speared) for battle and the Elf and Lakestown armies will stand against the Orc armies.

Prepare for battle!
This movie, in my opinion, is the best in the series, however, it is not saying much because most of the film relies on heavy CGI to drive the story and the action along and we should be impressed by the visual artistry that Peter Jackson and his team went through. But, also the suspense wears thin as we know what will happen after this film is over as we all know that Bilbo and Gandalf will live. However, what about the other fates? In other words, the characters in The Hobbit trilogy are not as memorable as the characters in the LOTR trilogy. But, I liked it more because of how short it is compared to the first two as it concludes Bilbo's journey with the characters and the quest of what he is looking for.

The battle sequences are spectacular at the very least as to how it sculpts detailed action and mayhem throughout every nation and the battle never bores in my opinion. This movie has more adventure and excitement compared to the first two. Also, you will ask me, what about the emotional aspect of the final installment? Well, it is definitely there towards the end of the battle and the climax, however, the ending is not as emotional as we know that it ends (and it is not really a spoiler) with Bilbo and Gandalf meeting at the Shire 60 years later.

It is sad at times when some characters unexpectedly die and a few characters regret on what they said or did not say regarding their own feelings. But, the battle is a testament as to strength, honor and truth until the moment the person dies and it will haunt people forever. Despite the heavy CGI and the slow start, I felt that there was enough to sustain the film as a final piece and also an enjoyable film. However, it is nowhere near the masterful LOTR trilogy. That was quite an accomplishment. But, I'm glad Jackson ended the trilogy on the right note. Now, let's just hope we do not to see another trilogy in this world again from him. Let us all move on! Everything will be all right, Mr. Jackson.

***

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