The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Director Peter Jackson brought us an epic high fantasy adventure film titled The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013). Adapted from J. R. R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, it was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, and Jackson himself. As Thorin Oakenshield and his companions flee from Azog and his Orc party, they seek refuge in the home of Beorn – a skin-changer with the ability to transform into a bear. On that same night, Azog receives orders from the Necromancer to prepare for war at Dol Guldur. Delegating the pursuit of Thorin to his son Bolg, Azog departs for Dol Guldur while Gandalf warns the company about the dangers that await them in Mirkwood – including the rise of the Necromancer and hostile Wood-elves. Beorn then guides them to the border of Mirkwood where Gandalf uncovers Black Speech etched onto an ancient ruin. Prompted by a request from Galadriel and his own curiosity, he decides to investigate the tombs of the Nazgûl.

Before setting off, he reminds the company to stay on the path. However, upon entering the forest, they become lost and are caught in the webs of giant spiders. Bilbo uses the invisibility ring to free his companions from their captivity. Yet, as he retrieves the ring after dropping it during the chaos, he begins to sense its dark power. This becomes apparent when he kills a spider in a brutal manner to reclaim it. Fortunately, they are rescued by Tauriel and Legolas of the Wood-elves who kill the remaining spiders and take them captive. Thorin is brought before their king Thranduil and confronts him about neglecting his kin in Erebor after Smaug’s attack many years prior. Consequently, Thorin and his companions are imprisoned while Bilbo manages to avoid capture and concocts a plan for their escape using empty wine barrels that are sent downriver.