The third and final chapter of the The Hobbit trilogy may not garner an applause from all fanboys, but the final trailer shows Middle Earth in the throes of war – and it is glorious. If there’s any element this film touches on, is the logic of cause and effect, and truly what consequences one must accept when ushering forth a serious “change.”
If you’ve seen The Desolation of Smaug, then you know things ended rather abruptly and on a pretty epic note. So interestingly enough, we see no signs of Smaug in this trailer, but rather an emphasis on the stirring war between the Five Armies. Thorin Oakenshield, everyone’s favorite lost dwarf king, has reclaimed the Lonely Mountain, and despite the Lake Town’s pillage, due to a very saucy Smaug (he’s voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, so I think saucy’s appropriate here), is not leaving his newly reclaimed kingdom.
Meanwhile Thranduil, who is by far the most glamorous being that walked Middle Earth, has a serious bone to pick with the dwarves, and has teamed up Bard the Bowman with an elvish army to ascend on the Lonely Mountain. And if that isn’t enough, the inception of Saruman “dealing” with Sauron, begins painting the future of the LOTR franchise. Yeah, we see you Saruman….
Like the original trilogy, Peter Jackson plans to go out in a blaze of glory, ending The Battle of the Five Armies with a 45 minute battle sequence sure to appease the fanboy in all of us. But The Battle of the Five Armies isn’t just jam packed with action (though we’re still wondering what’s happening with those war bats), there’s a strong emotional and political core here. And no doubt viewers will more than likely see this through the eyes of Sir Bilbo. Someone has to be a voice of reason, preferably Gandalf, since Ian’s voice is regality poured over a golden harp. Either way this one’s sure to tug on the heart-strings and leave the Hobbit trilogy in an explosive conclusion.
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies hits theaters December 17th!
Images: New Line Cinema
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