It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the release of the final film in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, not to mention the final film in his entire Middle-Earth saga. The first Hobbit film, An Unexpected Journey, was met with varied response. Fans of The Lord of the Rings relished the chance to spend as much time as possible in Middle-Earth, while others were already noticing the strain of stretching one small novel into three films. The second film, The Desolation of Smaug, seemed to have the opposite effect: casual movie-goers enjoyed the incredible special effects and action, while die hard fans were wary of the huge changes and additions the film-makers had made to Tolkien’s work. It can’t be denied though that Peter Jackson knows how to direct epic spectacle and the trilogy looks set to conclude in spectacular fashion with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
The first trailer for the film has been released, and while it may reveal a little bit too much about where the story goes in the third film, it is still an enticing teaser. The trailer has quite a solemn tone, which is enhanced by the use of Billy Boyd’s moving song from The Return of the King. Those who have read the novel (who hasn’t though?) know that the story takes quite a sad turn in the third act and it looks like Jackson is not shying away from that fact. Regardless of your feelings towards the Hobbit trilogy so far you have to admit that the prospect of watching a Peter Jackson-directed battle between five armies is going to be something very special to behold.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film:
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenceless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honour to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the LonelyMountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
You can check out the trailer here:
There has also been another teaser poster released for the film, which you can see below.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be released in Australian cinemas this Boxing Day.
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