The first chapter, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, felt like a bit of a long "walk and talk," similar to the introductory chapter of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. However, much like how the plot became tense in The Two Towers, I had high expectations for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It delivers, offering more action and adventure than the previous installment.
The plot also thickens as the Dragon Smaug is finally revealed on the big screen and Gandalf ventures off to seek the whereabouts of the Dark Lord Sauron. Furthermore, we see more of Bilbo Baggins' ability (or inability) to resist the Ring, which adds depth to the Hobbit and emphasizes the power of the One Ring. The finale sequence and cliffhanger ending leave us dying to know what will happen to the people of Lake-town and the gathering Dwarven armies.
Overall, The Desolation of Smaug lives up to expectations and gives the series a strong push before the grand finale next year in There and Back Again.