The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The film doesn't pretend to be about anything other than action — and that's an honest position. The director constructs scenes with a feel for space, pace, and rhythm.

If you love the genre — this is a solid specimen. If you're indifferent to action — there's nothing extraordinary here to convert you.

Good choice for group viewing when you want to watch rather than think.