Customer Ratings & Reviews

There's a lot to like in Battle of 5 Armies, as it's probably the strongest entry in the Hobbit series... That said, it (and the others in The Hobbit series) just don't measure up to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Featuring plenty of battles, a return to a beautifully rendered world, and top-notch special effects, it's only real flaw is a disconnect with the characters that just didn't exist in LotR. Certainly, there's some characters here that you'll enjoy, but where LotR seemed to be flowing with tons of characters you quickly grew attached to, the same cannot be said for The Hobbit. One also has to be disappointed in the dwarf/ elf "forbidden love" that is so incredibly forced, the movie itself never seems to take it seriously. Even if the extended version somehow made it "better" the whole thing was laughable, at best. The 2 characters involved seem ready to leave their entire races to be together, yet there's never a moment between the two that makes it seem they ever fell in love. It was hard to swallow throughout the other films, and 5 Armies never fixes this. I cringed every time the 2 actors shared scenes, not because they were bad actors or didn't make me believe they had feelings for one another, but I could just never buy into the fact that these were living characters that fell in love and not just actors playing the role because it was written that way. Now, I wish I could give more info on the differences between the standard edition and this extended edition (Bot5A earned an R-rating in its extended format, a first in either series, but I don't recall any scenes in Bot5A that stood out as any more excessive than any other of the films) but, I learned a long time ago, beginning with King Kong and the Fellowship of the Ring, that Peter Jackson consistently offers better movies in his extended versions- at times, cutting scenes that I felt were excellent (but didn't really add to the story, per se) and added wonderful fan service to the viewers, all in the name of saving time. Taken as a whole, they may be added scenes of fights that don't forward the plot, but they most definitely add action to the, well, action-centric films. I've given it a 4* rating, only because it deserves a rounding up from what I think is a 3 1/2* film. If you're a fan of Middle-Earth, there's absolutely no reason not to add this to your collection, especially in its complete version. While I may never enjoy the Hobbit movies as much as the Lord of the Ring films, I'm glad these were made, and glad they're a part of my collection. As a fantasy/ sci-fi/ horror buff, these will be some of the first "grown up" films I introduce my kid to as he gets older. They're safe, overall, and very "cool". Comparatively, where the second trilogy of Star Wars fell almost completely flat, the Hobbit avoids that same measure of failure.

Overall I thought the movie was great but I'm not going to say much about the movie plot since you can find that info anywhere else. Instead I'll talk about the 3D experience, which was about the same as I expected it to be. If you have seen the other two Hobbit movies its pretty much the same in terms of 3D/video/sound quality. I found that while the Hobbit movies had great 3D the movies were just too long and the glasses and minor ghosting (which is in most movies) started to get a little annoying. It wasn't enough that it would distract you from the movie, because it's pretty engaging, but just keep in mind that it will probably happen to you. I think I still like The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug better, only because of the plot, but this a great ending to the six film franchise. Note: If you are a huge Hobbit/Lord of the Rings fan make sure to stick around for the credits to hear a song by Pippin/Billy Boyd. It's a great song and the music video on Youtube is an awesome look back at the cast from all of the movies. PS: I really hate that these movies do not come with a iTunes digital copy but such is life.

As the last in "The Hobbit" trilogy, I had high hopes and expectations of greatness associated with "Return of the King". It seams the issues with each of those movies is exactly the opposite of the other. Director Peter Jackson was criticized for having too many "false" endings in "Return of the King". Jackson made a complete 180 and hardly had any ending at all, leaving many plot lines unresolved. Not that this ruins the movie, but it does catch the viewer off guard when the battle ends and the credits roll. I hope that Jackson is hoping to resolve these holes in the extended edition, but we will have to wait and see. This is a well made film with lots of action. If you are looking for epic battle scenes, you won't be disappointed! But if you are looking for more substance in a film, look elsewhere, at least until the extended edition comes out...

Surprisingly so I enjoyed "The Battle of The Five Mountain." I must say after seeing the first of this overly long Trilogy and them purchasing the second of the three, it has only been now that I have seen the third. In Peter Jackson's endeavor to turn "The Hobbit" into an overly long 9-hour Trilogy, so much extraneous blather had been added that I was so very much disappointed. There was also so very, very many parts including those ridiculous amusement park ride chase scenes that were as I said, ridiculous. I understand that such silly stuff was added for those who have never read the books and those who never will, at the expense of the stories. The good thing is that the books won't be affected by the films.

The movie picks up just before when the last left off. Of course you have to see the others to appreciate the end. A lot of action and story all rolled up in the final episode of the Hobbit stories. Nicely fits itself between the 2nd Hobbit and 1st Lord of the Rings stories. I think it was well done. It is beautiful and you can see the growth of the director and his teams in techniques; it would be greatly felt if you were to do a marathon back to back and indeed went from the last Hobbit to the first LOTR movies. Those that felt so ground breaking and amazing when they first came out feel a little rough now in comparison. They are all great and should be appreciated for the stories they tell and the worlds they create as were the books they are based on.

It definitely wasn't as satisfying a conclusion to a trilogy as Return of the King was to Lord of the Rings. It definitely wasn't going to win any Oscars, except for maybe visual effects. However, it was fairly entertaining. Arguably the best part of the movie was the time spent with Gandalf tying the Hobbit Trilogy to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy with his battle against Sauron. This portion was not elaborated upon in the Hobbit book, but it was needed for all of the series fans out there. Peter Jackson did a great job of extrapolating and interpreting with this trilogy, but he unfortunately added too many unnecessary elements to fit one book into 3 movies. Overall, I enjoyed it enough to buy it.

Although not entirely faithful to the book (what book based movie is?), it is still a great movie with strong story telling. Peter Jackson has done a good job translating from imagination to the big screen, the tale of middle earth. As George Lucas did with Star Wars' story so did Peter Jackson with middle earth, beginning with Lord of the Rings trilogy then making the Hobbit. The battle of the five armies is the final chapter of a classic tale of the underdog overcoming all odds and impossible obstacles in a heroes quest- that he wanted no part of because it took him from his comfortable, sheltered life- and making some very unlikely friends in the process. This trilogy should not be missed.

As expected, some nice visuals and special effects, lots of combat, and some 'creative twists' to the original story with added characters and such. Overall, this was solid, but they should have stuck to their initial plan of two movies vs. the three. A bit much when you put them altogether. I didn't even care that much that they shoved Evangeline Lilly in there with her whole character and etc., however, I do have a problem with whatever the hell they did with her hair...yeah yeah yeah, elf. But it somehow made her not hot. How is that possible? Way to blow it guys. Haha, anyways, the movie wraps up this trilogy decently and if you're a fan of the series, hopefully it won't disappoint you.

A solid final entry in the last installment of The Hobbit trilogy. Significantly shorter than the two previous efforts but it still clocks in at well over two hours. A little more serious throughout than the first two but is also a bit more lean and to the point. You get the feeling the budget was tightening or the filmmakers ran out of ideas in this one. It feels very fragmented compared to the others even though we eventually reach the end. Feels more like an outline as some major events seem to be rushed, especially what we see of Smaug and Sauron. Still, more and better action and adventure than you'll find in other films, so definitely worth checking out. But don't miss the book!

It's impossible not to compare this trilogy to LOTR, which ultimately makes the Hobbit experience a disappointment. However, I was mildly satisfied with this conclusion. I wish that the ending had tied up the story of the dwarves a bit better, including the future of Erebor, but, ultimately, The Battle of Five Armies is action packed and entertaining. My main gripe has to do with the development (or lack thereof) of the characters, but that criticism can be said for all three films. All in all, being a fan of Middle Earth and LOTR I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It certainly is not without its faults, but it's enjoyable.

It is a fate of this movie trilogy to be compared with LOTR. As you may already know, the length of the hobbit is quite short compared with LOTR, many feel that making the hobbit in the trilogy is just movie makers' ambition nothing but for money. After watching the last finale, I have to agree with that opinion. Unlike LOTR, to make them trilogy, there are too many episodes distracting the main plot, so at the time of watching this finale, I could not recall what happened in the previous two movies so far. Then, I had to start it over from the first movie to catch up all the plot. However, the movie itself is fascinating and clear sharp screen. Recommended.

Jackson made many changes in all of the films from the books. Many were improvements and some were not (my opinion). Visuals and special effects were first rate. Fortunately of unfortunately (depending on what you're looking for in a movie like this) that's most of what this movie offers. Standing alone as a movie and not comparing it to the books this movie specifically and the trilogy as a whole were all good but nothing extraordinary (well except "The Fellowship of the Ring"). Jackson introduced characters and either never developed them or chose broad characterizations, or left their storyline hanging. Sad because this trilogy coulda' been a classic.

I'll be honest and say that I really don't care for these film adaptations of The Hobbit. Making 3 movies from one book was a mistake. But... maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I figure if you're going to pad the book, let's go all out. I have been waiting for a lime time to get the Extended Edition of Battle of Five Armies, and I was not disappointed. At least, not once I accepted that this is not really the Hobbit book I have read so many times before. There is still plenty to like about it, and it is likely to be the only live-action adaptation of The Hobbit we will get, at least for a while.

So, I watched the first two volumes of the series, and was really excited to see the final movie in the series. I open the movie, pop in the dvd and it's part two on disc 2...Woops! I go back to the case to put in disc 1 and, uh oh, only another part two on disc 2! Best buy sent me a movie with two disc 2s!!! Now, had I seen these before, it wouldn't have been such a "devastating" thing, but I hadn't and I don't know what happened with Smaug and the islanders, and oh!!!!! I called Best Buy, and they got a new version sent out post haste. In the end, it was a great ending.

First of all, the Hobbit is stars below Lord of the Rings (which was a masterpiece). That said, "Battle of Five Armies" is probably the best of the Hobbit trilogy. At least, everything that has been set up pays off one way or another. I wish Jackson had picked either a light-hearted children's tale (which the book was) or an epic (which LOTR was), instead of trying to do both. All of the extra non-book subplots shoved in by the studio didn't help either. Instead of a longer director's cut, I'd prefer to see a shorter version that compresses the Hobbit into one or two movies, not three.

The cinematography and fights are entertaining, but as a fan of the book I'm disappointed in Peter Jackson's rendition. Several key points in the book are left out and several pointless additions are made the ruin the story. That being said, I can watch the movies and have a good time as long as I tell myself beforehand that I'm not watching the same story as I read and imagined as a child, teenager, and adult as I have read the book again and again. The action is great and the storyline compelling--just don't expect it to be the same. If you can accept that or don't care, buy away!

I rather liked this movie, and the trilogy. However, it just lacked that special kind of drive that made you jump with surprise and let out a good "Oh Yeah!" Like the all the other movies did. It became too predictable, you knew what was going to happen. Except for the final battle. It just didn't have the same intense action like all the other epic battles in the series, and in the end too many of the main characters throughout the trilogy freaking died and Bilbo went home. It just kind of fell flat on that, you expect more, a lot more, and it just isn't there. 3D was still awesome.

The Battle of the Five Armies battle scenes are reasonably exciting, and several strong character beats help pull it through to the end. Fortunately, it has an excellent video presentation and powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. Bottom line? The Battle of the Five Armies is a decently engaging three-star amusement park ride, but be warned: the more you scrutinize, the deeper you look, and the closer you examine all the moving parts, the more dissatisfied you're likely to become. And it isn't long before that dissatisfaction breeds disappointment

I would rate this movie as very good but not great. If you have not seen the other two Hobbit movies then do not start with this one as it doesn't offer much explanation of the characters or plot - it just jumps into the story. If you have seen the other Hobbit movies then you will like this movie as it ties up all of the plot. it has lots of action and is true to the Hobbit story line. It does not break new ground though and is mostly action sequences. I recommend watching this movie with a big screen TV, a loud surround system, & a big tub of popcorn!

If you own the first two entries into this trilogy, then this will close out the saga adequately. The Smaug storyline was resolved early, and the rest of the movie led into the climatic battle. There were some extra hooks added to help bridge the gap between the two different trilogies, which were appreciated, but the ending felt unfulfilled. Once some key moments occurred, if felt as though the story jumped ahead to hurriedly wrap up the movie. As far as packaging, I am not a big fan of the steelbook, but it was cheaper than the regular packaging.