The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Synopsis:
In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo Baggins continues his journey with the company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their quest is to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including giant spiders and hostile elves. The group must navigate through the dangerous Mirkwood Forest and eventually reach Lake-town, where they gain new allies. As they approach the mountain, Bilbo must use his wits and courage to confront Smaug, the fearsome dragon guarding the treasure. The adventure is filled with action and suspense as the group strives to achieve their goal against overwhelming odds.
Where To Watch: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Parental Feedback
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, released in 2013, is a fantasy adventure film rated PG-13, making it suitable for teens. The movie is part of a beloved series that continues the epic journey of Bilbo Baggins and his companions. While many parents appreciate its thrilling action and stunning visuals, some express concerns about its intense scenes and complex themes, suggesting it may not be ideal for younger viewers.
Why Teens Should Watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The movie is praised for its captivating storytelling and impressive visual effects.
- Highlights the importance of courage and friendship
- Features a strong character arc for Bilbo Baggins
- Offers breathtaking landscapes and thrilling action sequences
- Explores themes of loyalty and perseverance
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Some parents are concerned about the film's intense and dark moments.
- Contains scenes of violence and peril that may be unsettling
- Includes complex themes that might be challenging for younger teens
- Features visually intense sequences that could be overwhelming
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's intense action and complex themes.
What Parents Should Know About The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | Themes of greed, power, and bravery are explored through dialogue and character actions. |
Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Some characters engage in dangerous quests, but the risks are often addressed critically. |
Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Bilbo evolves from a hesitant adventurer to a brave and resourceful hero, especially in scenes with Smaug. |
Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | While the focus is on male characters, the dynamics are generally respectful and supportive. |
Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | Discussions about courage, loyalty, and the consequences of greed can be sparked by the film's events. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is celebrated for its engaging narrative and stunning visuals, making it a hit among fantasy fans. However, its intense action and mature themes suggest that parental guidance is beneficial, especially for younger teens. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking similar adventures, the rest of The Hobbit series or The Lord of the Rings trilogy are excellent choices.
Official The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug's most common core values include Bravery, Perseverance, and Teamwork. Teens can see bravery in the way Bilbo Baggins steps up to face dangers with the dwarves. Perseverance shines as the group never gives up, even when the journey gets tough. Teamwork plays a huge role since they need to work together, each bringing their own skills to help the group keep moving forward.
These core values are evident throughout the movie. One moment of bravery is when Bilbo enters the dragon's lair, knowing how risky it is to face Smaug. Perseverance is highlighted when the group navigates through the tangled woods of Mirkwood, pushing past exhaustion and fear. Teamwork is essential during their fight with giant spiders, where each member has to cooperate and use their unique skills to help each other escape and survive.
Other Core Values Explored: Courage | Determination | Friendship | Loyalty | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Facing Fears Head-On: Bilbo's courage grows as he faces off against formidable foes like the giant spiders and ultimately confronts the terrifying dragon, Smaug, showing that bravery often means facing your fears directly.
Believing in Yourself: Throughout the journey, Bilbo begins to trust his instincts and abilities, whether it's coming up with clever plans or rescuing his friends, learning that self-belief is key to overcoming obstacles.
Building Friendships: The camaraderie and bonds formed between Bilbo and the dwarves illustrate the importance of friendship, as they rely on each other for strength and support during their quest.
Finding Courage: Bilbo's transformation from a hesitant hobbit into a daring adventurer highlights the theme of discovering one's inner bravery, particularly when he ventures alone to confront Smaug.
Working as a Team: The group's survival and success in their quest depend heavily on teamwork, with each member contributing their unique skills and strengths to help them overcome the challenges they face together.
Other Lessons Learned: Choosing Right Over Easy | Practicing Loyalty | Overcoming Failure | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Deep Connection | Holding Onto Hope
Why Kids Love The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The movie takes kids on an epic journey filled with daring quests and exciting missions. Imagine getting thrown into a world where treasure hunts and epic battles await around every corner. Kids get to experience the thrill of chasing scenes that keep the heart racing and the mind engaged. The heroes face creepy creatures and weird monsters, making every twist and turn a suspenseful delight. It's like the best parts of a fantasy game come to life, where sword fights and fast-paced action adventures make every shout and cheer worth it. The adventure is all about outsmarting challenges and saving the day with clever tricks and bold moves.
As kids watch the characters tackle these wild scenarios, they're introduced to clever tactics and unexpected friendships. The movie shows daring escapes and edge-of-the-seat moments that keep the excitement flowing. Kids love seeing how teamwork helps them dodge near misses and escape hairy situations, where each character's special skills add to the fun. With secret missions and daring escapes around every bend, it's like they're part of a cool and unpredictable adventure. Whether they're intrigued by the concept of epic battles or excited by the idea of proving themselves as heroes, kids find a universe packed with thrilling escapades and non-stop entertainment.