Full Disclosure: Before getting into this review, I would like to note that I have not read the book to The Hobbit. I do not know for sure if it respects J.R.R Tolkien’s work or if it resembles the book at all. If you’re just a movie-goer, like myself, and just wants to read an unbiased review of the new Hobbit movie, welcome!

Some fans were disappointed with the last Hobbit movie, the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It suffered from pacing issues and excessive CGI. Now the big question is, “does the Desolation of Smaug improve upon the last Hobbit movie?” Most definitely, yes.

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” picks up where “An Unexpected Journey” left off with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Thorin (Richard Armitage), and their fellow company of Dwarves on the quest to the Lonely Mountain and reclaim their lost homeland, which was taken by Smaug the dragon generations ago.

Although it has a 161 minute run time, Peter Jackson managed to keep the audience’s attention by throwing in stylized fight scenes and exciting, memorable moments, most notably the barrel ride sequence. The CGI looks much better compared to “An Unexpected Journey,” and thanks to the use of prosthetics, the Orcs look all the more despicable and it adds to the tone of the film, which might please hardcore fans of the franchise. I still don’t remember all the Dwarves’ names, to be honest, but they also had some good moments.

Unfortunately, Bilbo’s role seems diminished in this sequel and is overshadowed by Thorin, which is a shame because I wanted more of Bilbo. Martin Freeman truly shines as Bilbo Baggins, especially in the spider ambush scene and his first encounter with Smaug (more on the dragon later). Thorin, the destined king of Erebor, goes through dynamic character changes throughout the film as he grows more determined to take back his heirloom. His desires are strong, and I’m curious where they’ll take him in the next Hobbit movie.

Orlando Bloom returns as Legolas the Wood Elf. It’s possible that he’s shoehorned into the movie just for the sake of being in it, but I don’t care because he is boss. Legolas just owns every fighting scene he is in. He can take out 20 Orcs using nothing but his bow and arrow like nobody’s business, and it’s a joy to watch. The producers made a good call because if he wasn’t in the movie at all, it truly wouldn’t be as great as it is now.

Now here’s the ticket-seller: Smaug, the dragon. If anyone says that Smaug wasn’t impressive at all, they’re not only lying to you, but to themselves. Bilbo’s encounter with Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, is easily the best part in the entire Hobbit trilogy so far. The CGI dragon is amazing to look at. Smaug is majestically terrifying, and his voice makes him all the more menacing. He will be remembered for a long time.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a big step up from its predecessor in many ways. Although it’s disappointing that there was not enough Bilbo, it’s still a worthy entry to the Lord of the Rings franchise.