Smaug was always going to be the foundation on which this movie -- and indeed ... Since it's an extended chase and battle with an awesome dragon, however, I didn't honestly mind lingering there ...

But name aside, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is bound to pull in dragon-sized bucks at the ... but for those who aren't fluent in Elvish, the movie is still worth seeing.

The party must complete the journey to Lonely Mountain and burglar Baggins must seek out the Secret Door that will give them access to the hoard of the dragon Smaug. And, where has Gandalf got off to?