THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG"
(2013) (Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen) (PG-13)

QUICK TAKE:: Fantasy/Action-Adventure: A hobbit continues on his quest with a wise wizard and thirteen dwarves to reach a mountain and reclaim their former kingdom from the fierce dragon that displaced them years earlier.

PLOT:

The last time we saw the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (MARTIN FREEMAN), he had been recruited by the wise wizard Gandalf the Grey (IAN McKELLEN) to join thirteen dwarves -- led by Thorin Oakenshield (RICHARD ARMITAGE) -- as they set off for the Lonely Mountain. There, the fierce dragon, Smaug (voice of BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH), lives inside the locked mountain, guarding his copious amounts of gold and other treasures. Among all of that is the Arkenstone, the key for Thorin to reclaim his rightful kingdom from the beast.

As they continue on their quest, they must contend with any number of fantastical characters, including their archenemies, the warrior-like Orcs and their fierce leader, Azog (MANU BENNETT). There's also shape-shifter Beorn (MIKAEL PERSBRANDT) who dislikes dwarves but hates the Orcs even more, which also holds true for Thranduil (LEE PACE), the king of the elves of Mirkwood who capture the dwarves. His son, Legolas (ORLANDO BLOOM), is smitten with fellow elf and expert archer, Tauriel (EVANGELINE LILLY), but she's become slightly enamored with one of the taller dwarves.

After they escape from the elves, Bilbo and the dwarves run into Bard the Bowman (LUKE EVANS) who helps smuggle them into a town within eyeshot of their ultimate destination, the Lonely Mountain.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: If they're a fan of the previous "Hobbit" movie or the "The Lord of the Rings" films, they probably will.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13: For extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images.

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