Return to Middle-Earth with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – The second in a three-part series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit hits theaters just in time for the holidays.

The second in a three-part series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit hits theaters just in time for the holidays. Director Peter Jackson returns with The Desolation of Smaug and this time around, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) continue their quest to reclaim their homeland. Though the first film in the trilogy received mixed reviews, the sequel is faring better with critics so far. Time Magazine called it one of the best films of the year. The third film, tentatively titled There and Back Again, is set for release next year. Like the other Tolkien-adapted films, this features a bevy of gorgeous special effects and a lengthy running time—The Desolation of Smaug is 161 minutes long. Rated PG-13. Check out the trailer below.