While still a money grab, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is far better than its predecessor mostly because we get a freakier looking Legolas, Lee Pace who seems to have a talent for playing haughty, inexplicably freaky rulers; Evangeline Lilly who does a mean Liv Tyler impression; and Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice in all its Khantastic glory as Smaug. Instead of just being adventure for adventure sake (yawn), there is a smidge more gravitas. As I suggested in the first installment, more emphasis is placed on trying to return to a homeland, which works, and apocalyptic foreboding. Still I want someone to do a study of The Hobbit films because I’m convinced that everything is timed to some psychological perfection regarding when to have a chase, fight, romantic, political intrigue scene in each movie, but I have neither the time nor the patience to examine and discover this formula. It is definitely not organic and feels focus grouped to within an inch of its life. I do not consider it a must see unless you feel compelled to watch a bloated Hobbit franchise. I would not run to the theater to see it-home is just fine. I would warn LOR fans to leave well enough alone, but at least there is no singing. If you are a completist like me, you’re doomed to watching one more regardless of quality, which hopefully continues to improve.