The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has built a real following in Australia on HBO Max, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Ian McKellen anchors it with a performance that grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Available now on HBO Max — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is worth clearing space for. What makes The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug work is that the ideas never crowd out the people having them. The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug. The human element stays intact thanks to Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman, who anchor every scene. It hit screens in 2013. The rules of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug fits the bill. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Ian McKellen grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.