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MIDDLE EARTH — "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" doesn't open until December, but we now have our first trailer of part two of the three-part series.
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" made more than a billion dollars at the worldwide box office, but the reviews weren't as favorable as many had hoped. But, who cares when it makes more than a billion dollars?
#poll
Anyway, the first trailer for the middle section of the tale from Middle Earth has hit the Web, and it appears we are in for more walking, dwarves and walking.
The trailer gives us a look at the elves Tauriel, played by Evangeline Lilly, and Thranduil, played by Lee Pace. We also get a look at the return of Orlando Bloom as Legolas.
The big reveal that we've all been waiting for comes at the end of the trailer, however, when we get our first glimpse of Smaug.
We don't get the whole dragon, but at least a part of him. It was a touch disappointing we didn't get to hear the incredible voice of Benedict Cumberbatch, who lends his voice to the dragon, but we get a look at him at least.
The new film looks gorgeous, as always, and it seems to be action-packed, but I was burned by the first "Hobbit" film thinking that as well. I need to brace myself and realize that this is one book split up into three movies which are nearly three hours apiece. That doesn't set itself up for non-stop thrills, but it does set itself up for prolonged packing scenes.
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" opens on Dec. 13, 2013.