The real story is about greed, what Tolkien termed dragon-sickness, and when Jackson focuses on that aspect, Battle of the Five Armies finds its footing. It's a strong theme, Shakespearean in scope...

...this film is a fitting cap to an extended series that, if nothing else, has transformed Tolkien’s place in the wider culture.

Bilbo...is a portrait of quiet understatement. Freeman has grown into the part like a second skin, his warmth and honesty underpinning the hobbit’s self-effacing befuddlement.

...terrifically exciting and spectacular, genial and rousing, with all the cheerful spirit of Saturday morning pictures.

...så sidder man gudhjælpemig alligevel i mørket med svedige håndflader og en lille knude i maven, mens man undrer sig over, hvordan Jackson endnu en gang fik skovlen under én...

Alle vil have del i bjergets store guldskat, og hver især må de finde modet til at kæmpe for de rette ting i livet, før de finder deres skæbne.