{"id":94236,"date":"2014-11-10T11:37:32","date_gmt":"2014-11-10T16:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/?p=94236"},"modified":"2014-11-10T20:55:21","modified_gmt":"2014-11-11T01:55:21","slug":"torns-final-frame-by-frame-analysis-the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies-main-trailer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/2014\/11\/10\/94236-torns-final-frame-by-frame-analysis-the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies-main-trailer\/","title":{"rendered":"TORn’s final frame-by-frame analysis: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies main trailer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BotFATrailer82\"<\/a> It’s been a long journey since our very first TORn staff frame-by-frame trailer analysis — all the way back in 2001 when The Fellowship of the Ring was about to debut on the silver screen. Now it’s the very last one — the frame-by-frame for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.<\/p>\n

It’s been a lot of fun for us all, and we hope you’ve enjoyed the reading as much as we’ve enjoyed the analysing and speculating.<\/p>\n

So without further ado except for the compulsory movie spoiler<\/span> warning…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\"BotFATrailer1\"<\/a>
Image 1: Three Logos for the Studio Lords<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Interesting how they had all three studio logos in the one shot this time around<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:\u00a0<\/strong>The sky the night Smaug came to town. The glow of the fire in the night sky is a perfect platform and mood-setter for the opening.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0with the studio logos, they put all three on screen at the same time. With the Teaser earlier in the year, you get each of the three alone, sort of rolling into frame. I kinda like all three together, gets you to the actual trailer faster.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Here we go – #onelasttime \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0 I really like the wooden logos from the last trailer while these feel very standard but at least we got through them quickly.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Seeing all three studio logos standing side by side in this final trailer really brings this all back to the beginning of the film project for me – a reminder of the turmoil and struggles that had to be endured before production could begin. It’s been a long journey for everyone.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0*announcer voice* A solid reminder of why it took so long to even get a green light on these films… and the anxious waits from 2007 to 2010…<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0This grand chiaroscuro of shadows and blue-greenish-reddened light; powerhouse logos ablaze in shining gold. Wait a minute, um…. this wasn’t necessarily a good thing having too many hands in the pie, now, was it? Kinda tricksy…. A gilded trio of logos that belie “The Hobbit Movie That Almost Wasn’t.”<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Digging the new color scheme and gold glow on the logos!<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Once more unto the breach, dear friends. Once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer2\"<\/a>
Image 2: Dwarven gold!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0The Dwarves and Bilbo stand high above the treasure as it looks like Thorin is searching for the Arkenstone.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin in what appears to be the Throne room surrounded by treasure, while several of the dwarves look down on him from a balcony. This immediately sets the tone of Thorin’s estrangement from the rest of the company as he struggles with the Dragon sickness. You also hear Bilbo’s plea “Thorin, you gave a promise’ start here, then move to the close ups.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Is that an smouldering Olympic torch over on the right of this picture…?<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0This is meant to give us place in the shots following but it feels very CGI to me. I would speculate that it isn’t a quite finished shot. On the other hand I love the use of light and darkness here.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0I wonder if Thorin would give out a low interest loan?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin standing alone amongst the gold. Are the other dwarves giving him a moment to absorb everything, or has his isolation from them already begun?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0I did not see until the screenshot that the Dwarves are up there in the corner. Are they waiting for Bilbo to confirm that there definitely is not a dragon anymore?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0How could a massive mass of amassed wealth ever come between family and loved ones?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> The leader is isolated and alone. He has wealth. He has suzerainty. But does he have friends who are willing to follow him anymore?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer3\"<\/a>
Image 3: “Thorin, you gave a promise”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0“Thorin, you gave a promise.” – obviously this is a followup to DOS where Thorin makes a promise to the Men of Lake-town. In fact, in Middle-earth Madness (TORn’s book) Richard touches on this plot point and says he disagrees with Thorin’s decision in the third movie regarding it. Expect this to be a huge deal.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Love Martin Freeman’s line here. \u00a0His performance as Bilbo has constantly impressed me,\u00a0he truly is the perfect Bilbo.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0 Bilbo has grown so much. I love how he tries to reason with Thorin using his promise and honour to remind him of the integrity of the Dwarf he was.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo close up, in discussion with Thorin, reminding him he gave a promise. The concern in his voice and on his face is evident.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 Mithril!<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0I do believe Bilbo is wearing his Mithril Vest. I also love the tone of Bilbo reminding Thorin is who losing it of his promise.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0This is especially poignant when one considers that it was Bilbo who vouched for Thorin to the people of Lake-town (in the Extended Cut of The Desolation of Smaug). This will become incredibly important to Bilbo, no doubt, in light of the responsibility he surely feels for unleashing Smaug upon them.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Erebor might be Thorin’s inheritance but it’s depicted in constant gloom, a visual reminder of the Line of Durin’s grim fate.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Is Bilbo reacting to an exchange between Bard and Thorin? It seems entirely possible. That being said, Thorin in the next frame, does not seem to be fully kitted out as per his “I will have war” line. Thus I believe there is more than one parley (as per the novels). Perhaps this moment represents the breaking point for Bilbo, too, where the hobbit, morally, can go no further with Thorin.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “Thorin, you gave a promise” – Bilbo. In the last film, we saw the beginning of the breakdown of Thorin’s honor, resulting in a lecture from Balin. Now Bilbo is lecturing him. It’s only going to get worse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Image 4: Intense Thorin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Thorin looking #majestic again \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin close up, apparently the same scene with him reacting to Bilbo’s reminder that he gave a promise. This refers back to the scene in the DOS extended scene in Laketown when Thorin promises that the Dwarves reclaiming Erebor would lead to wealth pouring out through Laketown, with Bilbo standing up for Thorin and stating that he keeps his promises.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0Richard Armitage, even with a big Thorin Oakenshield prosthetic nose, is a handsome man. I recall years ago at conventions when our staff would tell people that Thorin Oakenshield would be one of the main thrusts behind the plot of this film with Bilbo and Gandalf and people seemed unsure of what we meant or if we were nutters making stuff up for a panel. This is what we meant. At the time I never considered how central Legolas, Tauriel and Thranduil would be though and I also thought we might have more, you know, dwarves actually involved.<\/p>\n

Also, he seems to be thinking here, “What? A promise? I might be having a moment of clarity. I did in fact make a promise. Oh crap.” In a moment it will pass and the madness will return. Now, this look from Thorin might not even be in the same scene as with Bilbo, but that is how I read it.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0We see a Thorin here who almost seems receptive to what Bilbo is saying (if this is indeed from the same scene). It will be heartbreaking to see him turn away from the wiser course.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer5\"<\/a>
Image 5: Lake-town burning<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0The Lake-town firestorm \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s amazing to imagine Bard at the pinnacle of that highest point in the center of the fire. Wow!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>Laketown engulfed in flames. We don’t see Smaug, but then there is no question that this is his handiwork.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0Another scene setter but a clear indication that Lake Town is going to be completely razed, setting up the citizens mixing with Elves as refugees in other shots in previous trailers.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 This is what happens when a fire breathing dragon gets upset.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Will this serve as our prologue of sorts? The destruction of Laketown all before the title even reveals itself? If so, what a somber opening it shall be.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0This scene is probably the one I am looking forward to most. I want to see the dragon act like a proper dragon before Bard ends his legacy.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 “I See Fire” but “I Don’t See Smaug” would be the appropriate follow up song……<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Where there’s smoke there’s Smaug… except we never see Smaug in this trailer. That is surely no accident and probably indicates that Smaug’s demise will occur fairly early in the film. First five minutes, anyone? Within the first ten, surely. This film is going to move very quickly.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> We are obviously going to have a pretty cool aerial shot of Smaug’s fury.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> The destruction of Lake-town is going to be pretty epic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer6\"<\/a>
Image 6: Bard in the burning Lake-town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> It looks like\u00a0Bard is staring at Smaug here? \u00a0He has his bow with him, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he does use it to kill Smaug and not the windlance.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Is this Bard watching Smaug’s approach? You can see his bow lying on the boards next to him.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard is no longer in jail, but rather a balcony or parapet at some height, trying to regain his feet. His bow is behind him, but the look on his face seems to indicate he is tracking Smaug’s flight before he moves.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This image makes me hopeful that Bard can’t make it to the wind-lance, and has to use his regular bow to fire that Black Arrow. I’m clutching at straws here but I would really like to see it play out that way.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0 Bard, in this shot, reminds me a bit of Dracula rising from his coffin. Nope, I am not trying to be funny.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard freaking out a bit? Maybe realizing he’s going to have to kill Smaug with a regular arrow?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0This image really brings home that Bard is not necessarily a born king – just a man. A man desperate to defend his family.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I wonder if this is Bard’s ‘holy crud I just shot down a dragon!’ face?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Bard has fallen and discarded his bow. Is he out of arrows? If we are playing for drama, and also trying to get Bard to accept his destiny as more than a “mere” bargeman (in the PJverse), then do we need a sequence where Bard attempts to slay the dragon with his own bow before realising he must use the windlance and embrace the legacy of his forebear, Girion? It’s the sort of “arc” that would appeal to the writers, methinks.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> You can do it Bard!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer7\"<\/a>
Image 7: “You brought upon them only ruin and death”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Bard reminding Thorin that he was right to tick him off back in Lake-town.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard: “You brought upon them only ruin and death”, Bard speaking to Thorin through a space in front entrance of Erebor. By them I assume Bard is referring to the people of Laketown, since this is before the battle and therefore before any of the Dwarves have been hurt. It also harkens back to Bard’s warning all along about the repercussions of entering the Mountain.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0I like how this shot makes us aware of how ‘shut in’ the dwarves are. Thorin’s outlook on life has dwindled down to the point where he can only see one thing – and that is visually reflected as Bard tries to get through to him.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0The “death” word here is great. But are the writers trying to echo everything in LOTR or is it a me problem?<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard I believe talking to the Master about what he has done to Lake Town with his terrible leadership.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard’s pained expression shows that this is not merely condemnation of Thorin’s actions, but also grief – grief for his home, and for his people.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0I love the cinematography and lighting of this shot. Intimate despite the barrier. Absolutely perfect. And Bard makes a very, very good point.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0This is actually more visually interesting showing a whispered yet urgent voice through the great Dwarven architectural diamond-weave walls. A leader of Men tells a great leader of Dwarves that his mistakes loom large.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I love the framing (composition) of this shot, the way your eye is inevitably drawn down that tunnel to Bard. Beautiful stuff.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “You brought upon them only ruin and death.” Now Bard’s getting in on the Thorin-shaming!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer8\"<\/a>
Image 8: Pensive Thorin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Is Thorin regretting his decision?<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin hears Bard’s recrimination and does appear to feel something, possibly shame, disappointment, sadness, not sure, but at least to himself he seems to be acknowledging this failure.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin realizing he is losing it?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin, seemingly, looking to his comrades to see where they stand in reaction to Bard’s statement. This look seems to communicate humility on his part, I think. Though that is surely not to last…<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Whether inadvertently or otherwise, it feels as though Thorin is imprisoned. Literally (within the mountain) and philosophically\/morally (as a result of his choices and single-minded pursuit of his inheritance). So we have a neat juxtaposition of external reality with the inner sense of self. Thorin cannot surrender what Bard wants without compromising his basis of existence. And that’s his torment. Or something like that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer9\"<\/a>
Image 9: No make that peeved Thorin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Um, looks like, no. \u00a0Richard Armitage does the peed off look rather well.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin looks up then, as if noticing for the first time the rest of the Company is listening to this conversation. At least, that is what it looks like when the next shot is the assembled Company<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Lots of majestic hero (anti-hero?) shots! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0……. And Richard Armitage brings it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer10\"<\/a>
Image 10: Twelve Dwarves and a Hobbit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Someone really should have reminded Bofur to move over a wee bit. \u00a0That aside, this is a great shot of the team of Dwarves and Bilbo.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0 What a great hero shot of our Company! Only a few of the dwarves seems to be wearing armour.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The fully assembled Company, in their battle armor, and if these two scenes are joined, then they overheard what Bard just said and saw Thorin’s reaction. What must they all be thinking, and how will Thorin react to Bard’s words, and to each of those that overheard.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 We’ve seen this shot before. I still love it.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0There seems to be one money shot of all the dwarves together and I get the feeling this might be the best moment for most of these characters. It is a tragedy that we don’t get more and that these aren’t the supporting characters. So yes, this shot makes me sad, just not the same way it makes others sad.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0The company I think at this point has lost a bit of faith in Thorin and needs convincing from him to follow him one last time.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Just try to look at this picture without imagining Howard Shore’s rousing music – I dare you.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 The dwarf that is blocked by Nori deserves either an apologetic pay raise for being blocked in this shot or a thwack upside the head for moving out of position.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 I counted and recounted looking for the missing dwarf. Then I saw Bofur’s (Jimmy Nesbitt’s) freakin’ Mongolian hat which I love so much in spite of itself floating behind Ori’s head.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Peculiar association. This put me in mind of the group portraits that soldiers would pose for in World War I and even the US Civil War<\/a>. The only thing missing is a black-and-white conversion — and someone sitting in a chair. It’s really a bit spooky.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> ‘Really dude? Are you nuts?!’ The dwarves don’t look convinced.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> A great shot of the Company, except for one thing. You need to move a bit to your right, Bofur!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer11\"<\/a>
Image 11: The Gates of Erebor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0The cool little staircase in the middle is reminiscent of the stairs of Moria.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0An evocative POV from the interior of the Dwarves’ stronghold and the stairs leading up to the balcony. They’re the same pattern as the hidden stairs up the side of the Mountain they accessed to find the hidden door.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The Company looking out over the front entrance to Erebor, and a lone cloaked figure walking down the stairs, weighted down by a cloak or a shame, makes little difference at this point. Bilbo asks “You’ve won the mountain, is that not enough?”<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin looks to be dressed in full-on kingly robes here – he’s really becoming Thror, the man he himself watched – and nursed – and he dissolved into madness. So sad – this is what Thorin feared the most.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0The beauty and appropriate design in this shot are beautiful and admirable. Both the artistic and technical achievements are stunning and worthy of all praise.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0For Richard Armitage’s Thorin, you can’t help but think that winning the mountain SHOULD be enough. Tolkien’s Thorin in The Hobbit was so consumed with reclaiming the gold that it never seemed that far of a reach that he would fight to the end to defend it. But this adaptation has painted a more tragic picture – and more clearly shows the horrible effects of the dragon sickness.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Another awesome looking shot. Weta, you guys are amazing. I fan girl you so much.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> It seems as though Thorin is leaving the parapet and the other members of the Company to go somewhere. To go parley with Bard? But why does he seem so miserable? There’s some piece missing from this puzzle that would explain everything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer12\"<\/a>
Image 12: The Barricade begins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0It looks like our Dwarves are reinforcing a weak spot.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0One of the giant Dwarf figures falls before the gates, possibly to blockade them. Just seems rather symbolic of Thorin’s fall, or eventual fall.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0There\u2019s so much bloomFX it looks like a bootlegged film.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This destruction is shocking when you think that those statues withstood even Smaug’s attack; and now they come tumbling down.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 I think the company is blocking the gate before the host of man\/elves come to the door looking for stuff.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> We saw this in the teaser. It looks like the Company begins tearing down part of Erebor to set up a barricade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer13\"<\/a>
Image 13: The entrance to Erebor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Crumbling crackling huge stone edifices are absolutely required in a 3rd Act spectacular – but shoudn’t we see also tiny CGI people or Goblins getting squished underneath? Not in this shot, any-who…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer14\"<\/a>
Image 14: Continuing the barricade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0<\/strong>Love the armored guard statues built into the wall.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0This shows more detail of how Erebor seems to be surrounded by carved dwarves and not just as an adornment of the entrances.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0I love the detail of the smaller Dwarf statues down at the bottom of the front entrance. I just hope we get a nice, long and lingering panning shot of the whole front entrance area.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0Obviously symbolic of the destruction of the dwarven kingdom. I wouldn’t be surprised that when these shots are used they will be symbolic of the bigger cracking and crumbling of dwarven kind.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I, like many others, lament the absence of “bigatures” in the new trilogy. However, at the same time, I can’t help but marvel at what they are able to accomplish with CGI. The architecture in The Hobbit films has looked remarkable and very photo-realistic. Once again, my hat goes off to the wizards at WETA Digital.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer15\"<\/a>
Image 15: Thorin checks out the forces ranged against him<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0What a great POV of the Dwarves looking across to what looks like the remains of Dale.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 I wonder how Thorin feels, watching the destruction they triggered? ‘Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown…’<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Those seem to be fires lighting the old ruins of Dale. Thorin seems to be contemplating who it may be.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Dale has now been resettled with the survivors of Esgaroth on the Long Lake; and any manner of additional Elves and Wizards might be there by now, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer16\"<\/a>
Image 16: “Now, we defend it”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0 Thorin states “Now, we defend it”, not really sounding defiant, not just yet. This is almost matter-of-fact, he has not been challenged just yet.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Even before “they” arrive, he is already determined to defend what he feels is his.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I agree that this is stated matter-of-factly. Thorin hasn’t gone totally loopy yet here. Also note, there’s an awful lot of Thorin so far in this trailer. More Thorin than anyone else — especially Bilbo. Is that healthy for a film called The Hobbit?<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “You’ve won the mountain. Is that not enough?” “Now, we defend it.” One of the first signs of a despot is succumbing to paranoia and seeing enemies everywhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer17\"<\/a>
Image 17: Thranduil and Bard surrounded by the Elven army<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0The Elves are so prepared for battle they even have a coat-rack.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0There’s the mighty Elk… Thranduil’s ride. Bard is at even status with Thranduil as the Elves approach Erebor.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s fascinating watching the Elves part for the arrival of Thranduil on the War Moose. Not sure how they do it, their backs are turned, but they peel off one by one on both sides. Actually, they are doing similar to Bard on his horse.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 I don’t think anyone told the moose that you should never look directly into camera during filming… Also, every armoured elf in this picture seems to have the same face; Attack of the Clones?!<\/p>\n

Elessar:\u00a0You can’t cause this much trouble and not expect folks to be upset.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0 I will leave it to others to gush about the elk, I know they will, but I sure do love seeing legions of elves standing together in uniform armor. Now, if Legolas has taught us anything, it is that these superheroes of Middle-earth should be made to stand together in formation where they can easily be mowed down, but these armies make one think that something about Legolas and Thranduil and Tauriel makes them the Avengers while everybody else in Elf-land is much less gifted. This isn’t a complaint at all, but they are just not like everybody else.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Lots of identical twins in that Elven Army of yours, Thranduil.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’ll be honest- I was hoping we had seen the last of that moose. I am not terribly pleased to see it again. I think it looks ridiculous. This may be made up only if he uses it as a war-steed and it gets orcs caught in its antlers. Possibly.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Total geekgasm here watching that immense WARMOOSE make its way through the ranks without seeming to squish any Elven troops along the way… Impressively light on his hooves, eh?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> The Hobbit: Warmoose versus Warpig is totally on. Soundtrack brought to you by Black Sabbath. Very excited for this. Probably will be the highlight of the film apart from purist-trolling Galadalf shipper shenannigans at Dol Guldur.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> It’s hard to see a giant moose as an intimidating steed, but Thranduil somehow pulls it off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer18\"<\/a>
Image 18: Dwarves of war<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0Is one of these windows the one Bard is looking through earlier in the trailer?<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s interesting how different this fortified balcony looks so different from the one everyone stood upon when Smaug first appeared.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin and Fili look defiant, Kili looks intense, but not quite defiant, as though he’s just dreading what’s coming next. And I’m not sure why so many of the dwarves chose Pikes as weapons, they don’t do any good up on the walls overlooking an attacking army. Pikes are for infantry, when they encounter an opposing infantry or a cavalry. Plant the bottom of the pike against your foot, drop it down a bit and spear anything that runs into it, or carry it before you and spear anything that runs into it. But what good is it 100 feet above that opposing army?<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0Bofur, if you can\u2019t see the camera, it can\u2019t see you.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0This is one of those moments I’ve been looking forward to through these films. Seeing Thorin in full dragon sickness digging his heels in not giving up any gold is going to be awesome.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Even ridiculously outnumbered, the Dwarves of Erebor still appear to be a force to be reckoned with.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> No Thorin does look a bit mad. Contemptuous, even.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Again, move to your right, Bofur! Why are you so afraid of the camera?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer19\"<\/a>
Image 19: Elven archers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0*goosebumps* The Last Alliance mirrored. Fantastic! These elves have dark hair.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0A whole lotta death and pain about to rain down on someone. Elven archers are nothing to sneeze at.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0That is a fearsome lot of arrows. As much as Thorin is mad and a jerk, Thranduil is using a whole lot of force over his hurt pride and a necklace? Jerk face.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0…or maybe not.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0They totally took this shot from The Last Alliance unused footage and put it here instead. *shifty eyes*<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Nice call back to the Elf armies from the Battle of the Last Alliance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer20\"<\/a>
Image 20: “I came to reclaim something of mine”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil – “I came to claim something of mine”, now there’s the greedy Elf King I remember from the book. And he is in Dale, and it appears he is actually astride his War Moose.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0I can’t pin it down quite but something about Lee Pace or Thranduil seems visually different here. Doesn’t it? Anybody?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Lee Pace has forever changed my personal image of Thranduil. Not that it would have taken a lot, since the only other image of the Wood Elves I had to go on for years was their frog-like appearance in Rankin-Bass’ The Hobbit. But Pace has had such a commanding and charismatic presence as the Elven King, that I find it hard to imagine that I won’t picture him on future readings of the novel.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil wants his gems back!<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0a direct reference here to something that you’d ONLY have known about if you had watched that 13-minute longer E.E. of An Unexpected Journey. Daddy Thrandy wants his purty necklace back…..<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> The obvious implication is that Thranduil wants to reclaim his fancy-shmancy gems. But what about this for a theory? Maybe he wants to reclaim his wayward son and that pesky captain of guards? Regardless, this conversation is obviously occurring within the ruins of Dale and that means that he’s probably addressing Bard. Or, perhaps, Gandalf and Bard. I suspect thew former though.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Is it me, or does Thranduil have a passing resemblance to Data from Stark Trek? Anyway…loving him in this trailer.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “I came to reclaim something of mine.” Not for nothing, Thranduil, but those had better be some very special jewels you want back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer21\"<\/a>
Image 21: This December<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0December gets a wonderfully dramatic score, and over it you can see tiny dark images flying across the letters. Could those be the bats? I also like the dim red glow at the bottom, either the far distant fire from Laketown or the very end of a sunset, signifying the end of all things.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0This December? Is that when this movie plays? Huh. This tidbit is in there for folks who watch movies once or twice a year.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 I can’t believe we’re basically a month away from the last Middle-earth film in the theaters for the first time. We’ve been waiting for so long to get to these Hobbit films and to be near the end for me is quite sad. I don’t want it to end.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Once upon a time, this film was going to be rushed for a Summer release. I, for one, am incredibly happy this did not come to pass. Aside from giving PJ & Co. more time to work on the film, doesn’t it just feel right to see “THIS DECEMBER” on the screen?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0While I am fonder of ‘Requiem for a Tower’ from the TTT trailers, I really do like this music and I must find out where it is from sometime soon.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Thanks for reminding me that we still have a month. Like I wasn’t already acutely aware.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer22\"<\/a>
Image 22: Orcs on the move<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Who is that standing up there? Doesn’t look like Azog; is it Bolg and some other orc?<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0The start of a CGI shot that is giving us scale so that ….<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0“I told you we missed a right turn. Now they’re down there, and we’re ALL THE WAY up here. Happy now?”<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Big bad wolf is about to blow the house down. Rather, big bad Wargs and Orcs and Bats and Goblins and Trolls and……<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer23\"<\/a>
Image 23: Lots of Orcs on the move!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun :<\/strong>\u00a0Two words: Ep-ic<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0PJ really likes “Big” Armies, this is gonna be amazing.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0It looks like the army is funneling into a narrow valley. A perfect trap to me!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Orc army with Orc banners, and it’s a vast army.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Reminiscent of ‘Isengard has been unleashed!’<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0 …. now it can turn itself up to EPIC battle scene shot. These are the extravagant shots that CGI allows. Nicely done with the soundtrack as well.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0That’s a whole lot of Orcs.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0I’m reminded of some of my favorite shots in The Two Towers. Massive (pun intended) orc armies on the move are a touchstone of this franchise, that’s for sure.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0More unused footage from The Last Alliance… let’s see how many times I can use this tagline.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 if only I could see what their insignia might be held aloft on those banners? These might be Orcs with Dol Guldur banners or mayhap Iron Hills’ Dwarves???<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Azog’s army? Or Bolg’s? Somehow, I fancy it’s the former.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “This was the last move in a master plan.” – Gandalf. This movie is certainly adding some epic scope to the battle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer24\"<\/a>
Image 24: Bilbo and Dwarves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf’s quote aside, this image of Bilbo, Balin and the others actually looks like it’s shortly after Smaug has flown off in the night and they have all congregated outside with Bilbo. He seems to be focused on something specific, as does Balin, but not the same thing. The others appear to be moving off the the right, possibly done observing whatever there was to see out there.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Pre-Mithril?<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Post the end of The Desolation of Smaug I think with Bilbo trouble by what they did.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Definitely earlier in the film – probably following the destruction of Lake-town. Is Bilbo reflecting on his part in Smaug’s massacre?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Bilbo has seen something important again. Is it an army on the move? Or, if this is later the night of Smaug leaving Erebor, maybe it’s Lake-town burning on the horizon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer25\"<\/a>
Image 25: “A plan long in the making”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0This reminds me so much of Sauron’s pits, only these caverns are in mountain rock instead of a former zen garden.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The fact that the Orc army is moving into these caves definitely shows they are trying to be stealthy in their approach to Erebor.<\/p>\n

Justin:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Bat caves.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0If Gandalf realizes at this point that Sauron has been plotting this ‘master plan’ for a long time, why is he so surprised all those years later, in Fellowship of the Ring, when he discovers that Sauron is plotting again? The story needs them not fully to realize who the Necromancer is at this stage; otherwise they look like total fools for doing nothing between now and Bilbo’s 111th birthday…<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I think greendragon’s point is a valid one. It’s one of the many reasons why I tend to view these trilogies separately and not as the Six Film Saga PJ wants it to be (curiously similar to my attitude toward another franchise featuring six, er… seven, films).<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0More unused footage from… well, you know.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 I love this. It looks like a massive termite colony gone into the mountainside. A living slagheap. Sweeping shots of large mobilized battlefield forces have always been the stuff of gripping cinematography since the days of Leni Riefenstahl. Best way to give shivers like when the camera pulled way back from Saruman’s terrance overlooking the amassed Uruk-hai below in the circle of Isengard.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Why are they travelling into the caves, rather than out? Is this in the hills around Erebor and giving them a secret way to approach closer? We do know that Smaug had contact with Sauron and they had a pact of some sort, so… There’s also a bit of a similarity to the hills around the Black Gate at the climax of The Return of the King.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> This orc army looks to be much bigger than what we saw in ‘Desolation’.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer26\"<\/a>
Image 26: Legolas, Tauriel and bats!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Is this at Dol Guldur or on the slopes of Erebor or Mount Gundabad?<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0You can see Legolas and Tauriel lying on the rocks to avoid or hide from the monstrous-huge bats!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas and Tauriel duck from the passing of these disturbingly large bats.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0“Crebain! From Dun…. Oh, wait, nevermind. They’re bats.”<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> So Legolas and Tauriel are back together and obviously scouting out the enemy. A good chunk of this movie is going to follow Legolas, after he follows Bolg and sees the huge armies that are forthcoming. This is probably when he’s on his way back to warn the others.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Ah, bat country. I’ll just leave this here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Okay, we have bats. But they just fought off a dragon, so how bad can they be?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer27\"<\/a>
Image 27: More bats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>This structure appears to be the home of the bats, but where is this? It almost looks like Minas Morgul, but we are no where near that place, it does not look like Dol Guldur either, so what is this place?<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Where is this? Dol Guldur? Does that mean Legolas and Tauriel followed Bolg all the way back there?<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0 I can’t easily convey how lame I think it is that the screenwriters choose to remind us, yet again, with similar lines yet again, that there are parallels here between characters and situations in the LOTR movies yet again. We already know. We already knew. This line takes us right back to Aragorn’s line about an army with one purpose. It isn’t cute, clever or subtle. I just don’t understand. Instead of immersion in the movie I can almost SEE the writers writing. Boo. For the trailer it delivers a nice emotional beat – too bad it carries so much baggage.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Mount Gundabad? Hope so as I’d love to see that local come to life. The bats are pretty sweet and I’m looking forward to seeing them after reading the book time.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0A location we haven’t see before – Mount Gundabad possibly? What would Legolas and Tauriel be doing there?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0How badly will fellow movie-goers hate me if I hum the Batman theme song at this part?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Trying to identify the cultural place in Middle-earth of this crimson overhanging structure – this gate or edifice, or what-have-you. Can’t quite place it but if all these bats are eminating from it we must conclude something from Mount Gundabad (being the Goblins’ stronghold in the further north for such a long time). I could be wrong though, only Azog is referred to once as a “Gundabad Orc.”<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Tauriel and Legolas seem to have scouted an awful long way away from Mirkwood and Erebor — this is the fortress Mt Gundabad. PJverse geography is a bit of a mess though — distance don’t really seem to count.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer28\"<\/a>
Image 28: Even more bats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> *starts singing again* “We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz…” Really wondering what they used as a reference for these “Bats”…<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0These bats have such large legs hanging down, they look a bit like Flying Monkeys from Oz…<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Some have compared the Gundabad fortress to the angularity of Minas Morgul. Oddly, I get a Cirith Ungol vibe. However, if the Morgul parallel holds, could there also be a Nazgul here? Total speculation of course.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Is that… Minas Morgul?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer29\"<\/a>
Image 29: “These bats are bred for one purpose, for war”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas has always had a way with understatement.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 Have they toned down the blue eyes a bit? I hope so – this is a much better look!<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “These bats were bred for one purpose. For war.” Okay, that’s a bit more intimidating. Thanks for the exposition, Legolas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer30\"<\/a>
Image 30: Dol Guldur and Nazgul!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0<\/strong>The most compelling image in the trailer. Can’t wait to see this scene.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin<\/strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Can’t wait to see this up on the big screen, it just looks incredible. Is the statue above Gandalf and Galadriel holding a Palantir?<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s incredible to see Galadriel cradling a fallen Gandalf and seemingly unconcerned that they’re surrounded with 9 deadly figures surrounding them.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Could this be the Nine? There are nine figures after all, in different armor and helms, with different types of weapons, and all shimmery and white, very much like specters. What is interesting is that Galadriel is cradling Gandalf as if she either does not perceive the Nine are there, or that she simply does not care.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0PJ\u2019s cameo?<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0It is kind of cool seeing the Nine in this clip; not sure about the ram’s horn helmet though. Bit too ‘jester’… I also love seeing the palantir in the statue’s hand; these are the kind of links to LotR that are fun to see – subtle moments.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0I am exceptionally excited for White Counsel footage. For me, it might be the #1 reason to see this flick.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0The Nazgul? I see one that looks like an Easterling.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0This a markedly different representation of the Nine than we’ve seen before. Even when Radagast beheld the Witch King in An Unexpected Journey, it a more ghost-like appearance (with a look similar to what Frodo sees on Weathertop).<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Are those the Ringwraiths?! Alright, complete lack of canon aside, that looks pretty cool. And I am definitely thinking that’s a PJ cameo part on the far right. Also, where on earth is everyone else during this scene? Let’s just sacrifice Gandalf and Galadriel for the sake of drama, guys! It was probably Saruman’s idea.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0So amazingly cool to see some other details of Nazgul-lore represented. I know, I know… Apocryphal from Tolkien’s original lore it certainly is; that the Nine were ever entombed (they were not), or that they were ever at Dol Guldur in T.A. 2941 when all this went down (they were not); it still fascinates me more than I could’ve imagined. This Dol Guldur extrapolation gives us more Nazgul, the Witch-king, Sauron and Saruman! It’s just the tonic these films needed — this whole B-story with Gandalf\/ Sauron\/ White Council. Sets up everything for flowing into Gandalf’s whispered conversation to Frodo about the Shadow of the Past……<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Many questions here: why has Galadriel gone in alone? Why is she ignoring the Nine completely? Why do the Nine seem more solid and less ghostly than in The Fellowship of the Ring? I wonder whether Galadriel is playing bait. Or maybe the Nine have literally emerged from the walls and it’s an ambush. We do know, because we see a flash of Saruman in the close-up next scene, that both he and Elrond are close-by. So each must play a role. Yet I think it may be that Galadriel plays the key part in defeating, or driving off, the Nazgul.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Wow. As non-canon as this is, still loving seeing the Nine. Granted, its very Weathertop-esque in scene composition, but should be interesting. I wonder what kind of ‘effects’ Elrond and Saruman will be using to fight them off.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Okay, so Gandalf is surrounded on all sides by Nazgul, and Galadriel is healing him. This in combination with the shots we’ve already seen of her walking barefoot through Dol Guldur and kissing Gandalf’s forehead leads me to believe that we’ll have a pretty awesome scene with the Nazgul approaching an unconscious Gandalf, and Galadriel steps in with some sort of stasis or time-stopping spell in order to heal him. Because she’s Galadriel, and she don’t take no guff from no Nazgul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer31\"<\/a>
Image 31: Galadriel and Gandalf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0The Ring Gandalf is wearing appears to be Narya and not Thrain’s Ring. Gandalf’s has a red stone (for fire) and Thrain’s has a blue stone.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf has really taken a beating. \u00a0Galadriel can teach Tauriel a thing or two about the right way to heal someone.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0This reminds me of when Arwen saves Frodo after crossing the Ford as he succumbs to the poison of the Morgul blade. The compassion of Galadriel for Gandalf is so moving. We’ve never seen her so vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Galadriel kisses Gandalf’s brow while Saruman sneaks by in the background.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Saruman is in this shot – though he doesn’t appear in the frame above. Nice to see him in action.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf post the beating he took from Sauron. So we have Galadriel helping get Gandalf back on his feet and more explanation on why she is so upset when he is lost in FOTR.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Does Gandalf’s state go beyond mere injury? We’ve seen a distinct lack of Radagast in the trailers. Could he sacrifice himself for Gandalf (and thereby explain the passing of his staff to the Grey Wizard)?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Dear everyone, it’s platonic. Galadriel’s married. Don’t make me throw Laws and Customs of the Eldar out here, it won’t be pretty!<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’m so glad this is shown. I want to see Galadriel in a whole new situation besides glowing in grandeur in her Elven realms; we want to see how she responds to threat and peril. Her demonstration of the power of the Noldor better be as kick-ass as anything we’ve ever seen!<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Maia he may be, but Gandalf is surely not going to be a great deal of use in this particular battle. The others will have to defend him, and defeat the Nazgul. Which brings to mind Galadriel’s line in an earlier film: call for me and I will come (paraphrased). Also, shipping goggles<\/a> go on here just to annoy Celeborn. o\/` If you see a wizard and an elf you must ship it. o\/`<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> My wife said ‘Wait, Gandalf dies again?’ Out of the mouth of non-fans!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer32\"<\/a>
Image 32: Elrond in battle-mode<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0There’s Hadhafang, the same sword Arwen uses at the Ford in The Fellowship of the Ring.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> I love the look of Elrond here, his armour is beautiful.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0 Elrond at his finest. I can’t wait to see him as a warrior leader of his people against great evil. This whole account of the White Council is a dream come true… and so incredible!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Action Elrond has his battle face on, or rather, he’s got his Agent Smith face on, and it works.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Action Elrond! I love seeing his warrior side. It’s also kind of cool that the three Elvish rings are gathered together in this scene…<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Elrond in armor. I’m looking forward to seeing him and the other members of the White Council do battle. Another moment that should be pretty sweet to see come to life.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0“Time for my close-up, Mr. Anderson.”<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 “Scuse me while I whip this out…” Movie quotes aside, that looks pretty cool.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0YES, exactly. Precisely. Gimme more of that.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Over a decade later, Hugo Weaving can still rock the Elvish armor like nobody else.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer33\"<\/a>
Image 33: “Leave Sauron to me!”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> This just gave me chills. Christopher Lee delivers this line brilliantly!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>Saruman is ready to take on Sauron himself, a duel at High Noon? I just can’t figure out what’s going on with Galadriel behind him. Her being on the ground to help Gandalf makes sense, but here, she’s on the ground holding on to Elrond’s leg, as though she does not have the power to get up herself. Not sure I like this image of Galadriel weakened, having to be saved by Elrond.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0As everyone has been saying, Christopher Lee totally steals the scene. Brilliant. And I love the hint that he is already plotting to collaborate with Sauron. But again, why do the others do nothing about Sauron for the next sixty years? Does Saruman just say, ‘Oh I dealt with him’ and they all go, ‘Fine’?<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0I am also pleased as red punch on a white dress to think Christopher Lee’s Saruman will get some power action in this film. He is powerful. There needs to be a reason Gandalf defers to him in Fellowship. I want power, nobility and bad assery from him and rarely do I feel like Jackson doesn’t go far enough, this might be one of the times. I want to SEE why he is one of the most powerful beings in Middle-earth. The roots of his treachery will likely be made super obvious too.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Saruman’s start towards being the bad guy we see in FOTR?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Sir Christopher Lee steals the entire trailer in one shot – with one line. Many have speculated that we may see Saruman’s turn begin here, but I actually hope this is not the case. I like the thought that, in this moment, he is genuinely the wise Saruman the White that we have long heard of – and he is preparing to take down his enemy.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 Dear Galadriel, going to battle in a dress is not very wise.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 YESYESYESYES, holy cow there can’t be anything more satisfying than to see more of the legendary Christopher Lee, still got some acting chops even at his advanced age. I adore this portrayal of Curunir and the suggestions of what “Leave Sauron to me” might possibly yield…..<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I would just like to request two hours and twenty minutes of Chris Lee. I’d be totes fine with that. Speculation #1: this is the beginning of the fall Saruman (canon aside) and he and Sauron will end up making a pact on the sly here. Speculation #2: Gandalf has already left the building. No, really. He’s not in frame at all. Maybe that’s why Galadriel has collapsed (Celeborn will be pleased) — all that effort spent just for him to ditch her again. Regardless, I think it lends some credence to Galadriel bears the brunt of the Nine’s assault theory (see above). Saruman and Elrond are wimpy freeloaders.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Obviously the best line in the trailer. What exactly will happen between the two remains to be seen. I’m not sure whether Saruman will negotiate with Sauron, or Saruman will be defeated by Sauron and both barely survive the encounter.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “Leave Sauron to me.” Maybe it’s the fact that it says he has ulterior motives in ‘The Silmarillion’ or the fact that Christopher Lee is simply incapable of NOT sounding sinister, but I don’t trust Saruman to fully be a good guy here.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer34\"<\/a>
Image 34: Sauron’s eye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>Quick flash to of the Eye ends with an image of a flaming Sauron figure, which is interesting. More interesting is where he’s standing, atop a tower with stairs, but when you look at the shape of the landing he is standing on it is very similar to the top of Barad Dur, silhouette wise anyhow.<\/p>\n

MrCere:<\/strong>\u00a0Are we really going to need to watch the birth of the great eye? There should be no great eye in The Hobbit unless its the final shot of the film. This sounds like I am being hyper critical. Let me be clear that I love the process of these films, the people who made these films and I enjoy the films. I don’t like all of the choices and I reserve the right to say so without hating anything or anybody. So, the eye? The shadow figure that sounded like Benedict Cumberbatch was much cooler for these movies.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0One wonders if we will indeed see the manifestation of the Eye in the film, or merely just a quick flash, as in The Desolation of Smaug – when Bilbo takes the Ring off inside Erebor.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0I love the film’s interpretation of the Eye. It looks scary as all else. At least, when it’s not on top of a tower. But elsewhere, awesome.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Still no Smaug. Our villain clearly is being marketed to us as “LOTR” fans and building the relationship with an abstract villain who creeped us all out 15 years ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer35\"<\/a>
Image 35: Blazing Sauron<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0<\/strong>They’ve done a great job of visualizing the Necromancer in an abstract way in these films, and this is just another example. I love this image.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> I prefer this image for Sauron\/the Necromancer over the flaming eye, it just seems more effective in it’s simplicity to me.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0And there he is. Sauron holding his fiery shape.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0I fully expect a secret handshake to take place. S-bros 4 lyfe.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a great shot.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’ve found it interesting that they’ve actually chosen to visualize Sauron in these films given that they ultimately decided to pull back on that in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (and leave him as the Eye). I’m not sure if I like that or not. It works quite well for these films, but I think it lessens his mystery in the later trilogy.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Helloooo Benedict Cumb– I mean, Sauron. Nice to see you. This sort of kills the scariness (what little it had) of your presence on the tower by the LOTR films, though, seeing you like this. What scariness a lighthouse had. Pity.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0too bad they didn’t use our friend Sala Baker to reprise his role just for this shot. It is a great shot, though, I gotta admit. Even though it strikes me as slightly cliche that a classic movie-villain pose must somehow always include himself perched in some busted out stairway that leads to nowhere. Why was it built that way except to give our boy a grand, dramatic entrance as he walks down it slowly, menacingly….<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> He’s gonna be easy to spot fleeing across the Brown Lands unless one of the Nine tips a bucket of water over him.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Love how the ‘eye’ becomes Sauron. pretty cool. Along with the whole structure implying the eye.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> A standoff between Sauron and Saruman. Will they fight….or will they hug?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer36\"<\/a>
Image 36: From the Director of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> In case we’ve all forgotten.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0at least its better than \u201cfrom the best-selling book\u201d<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0OH! Is THAT who this director is? I thought these movies looked familiar!!<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I really don’t think any potential audience member for this film needs to be told that. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Wait, PETER JACKSON directed this??!! I guess I hadn’t been paying attention the last 2 movies. (This is a joke, people! Please don’t shame me in the comments!)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer37\"<\/a>
Image 37: Bilbo leaving Erebor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0Really glad they’ve left in Bilbo sneaking out of of Erebor.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo looks so small. This perspective is one of those genius moments that reminds us of how small and fragile our Hobbit really is in all this enormous danger.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo, climbing out of Erebor in the middle of night, the one bit of burglarizing that the Dwarves could never have anticipated, and the one time Bilbo’s courage is tested in a very different manner.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo sneaks away from Erebor.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Whether you agree with his actions or not, this is without a doubt the bravest thing Bilbo ever did.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 If Bilbo is not going to give the Arkenstone to Bard and Thranduil after this scene I will cry. A lot. Book canon is good canon.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0A Thief In The Night is true to the book and true to our sense of Bilbo pushing his “good luck” just a little further each time, revealing that true Tookish side of him.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> The Dwarf, the Thief, his Ring and an Arkenstone. A new film by Peter Greenaway.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer38\"<\/a>
Image 38: Bilbo leaving Erebor rear shot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo, all alone and threatened to be caught at any moment, sneaking toward the “enemy camp”. I was SO hoping this would be kept intact in the film… so brave, so selfless…a time where he shows his quality.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo sneaking out with the Arkenstone! Awesome!!<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Quite the little monkey, aren’t you, Master Baggins?<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Bilbo is running off. Probably with a certain Arkenstone tucked inside his jacket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer39\"<\/a>
Image 39: “Bilbo is right, you cannot see what you have become!”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0The sadness in Dwalin’s eyes as he stares at Thorin\u00a0is heartbreaking, as he says “Bilbo is right, you cannot see what you have become!” For one who had known Thorin for so many years, it must have been tearing him apart.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Dwalin at his most emotional, admitting to Thorin that Bilbo is right, his voice breaking as he says this. The last Dwarf you would expect to disagree with Thorin, and you can see it is tearing him apart inside.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Nice to see one of the dwarves get a ‘moment’; and it is really compelling to see Dwalin, who one felt would follow Thorin ‘to whatever end’, begin to doubt. For me, it is the strong cast and the excellent acting which really makes these films; that is much more powerful than any amount of CGI.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Dwalin’s disappointment coming through loud and clear. Sadly Thorin won’t be hearing any of it.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0What a journey these characters have been on. “Bilbo is right. You cannot see what you have become.” Such a phrase I could not have pictured Dwalin saying (and in this way) at the start of the trilogy. Graham McTavish sells this moment so wonderfully. Like The Return of the King, this will be the most emotional chapter of the trilogy.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I actually liked this line. Thorin definitely got a little greedy in the book as well, so one of the Dwarves noticing it really helps bring out their own personalities.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Nice delivery, Mr. McTavish<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Mate against mate. State against state. You know it’s all falling apart when your unquestioning lieutenant, Dwalin, tells you you’ve lost it. The previous two films have built up friendships and loyalties — this one will stretch them to breaking point and beyond.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “You cannot see what you have become.” It’s Dwalin’s turn to tell Thorin he’s wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer40\"<\/a>
Image 40: Thorin “you talking to me” look<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>This is a rare case of Jackson putting the background out of focus to put all the attention on a character.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin walking alone in the treasure filled hall. Pretty sure this is not the same sequence with Dwalin because it appears they were much closer together in the previous bit, so not sure who or what Thorin looks up at. This just seems to echo the images that Thorin had of his grandfather Thror slowly sinking into madness with the Dragon Sickness.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s interesting, I think, that we see more images of Thorin appearing vulnerable than angry or upset (though I’m sure there will be plenty of that). As one who was initially quite unhappy with the casting of a younger Thorin, Richard Armitage has proved me wrong at every turn. Here is a tragic figure who I can’t help but be emotionally invested in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer41\"<\/a>
Image 41: “Everything I did”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> *starts singing* “Everything I do, I do it for you!!” Sorry, every time I hear this bit, I just hear the Bryan Adams song, takes me out of it a wee bit to be honest.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>Different scene with Thorin, claiming everything he has done, he’s done for them. I can only assume he is referring to Fili and Kili, since they are his heirs.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0To whom is Thorin referring: ‘…I did for them’? The juxtaposition to the next shot suggests Fili and Kili, but there has never before been any suggestion that Thorin is doing this to reclaim the homeland for his nephews. I would think rather he means Thror and Thrain; in AUJ he says as much to Balin, in his, ‘There is no choice’ speech at Bag End. They have handed down to him a duty, a responsibility, and he feels drive to fulfill that destiny. I HOPE that’s what he means – suddenly making it about his nephews would be incongruous, imho.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin talking to Dwalin? Giving him the answer of I’m sure that he’s ok.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer42\"<\/a>
Image 42: “I did for them”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0All together fan-girls: “Awwww!!!” Prepare your tissues.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0This looks like one of the few happy moments we will get in the film, with the reunion of Thorin with Kili, whom he must have thought would perish from either his injury or the fact that Smaug laid siege to Laketown.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0The Hobbit trilogy begins and ends with a headbutt.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 Nice Maori moment.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 PJ lulling the audience into a false sense of security with regard to the Dwarves’ inner circle.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I assume Thorin’s line here refers to his nephews, who are of course in line to be king after him… you know… if things went according to plan…<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Next of kin also means next-in-line for tragedy….. Just sayin’<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “Everything I did, I did for them.” You’re deflecting, Thorin. Somebody needs a hug.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer43\"<\/a>
Image 43: The forces gather<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>Elves line up in battle formation so darned perfectly, and very reminiscent of the battle with Sauron 3 millennia earlier.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Wow those elves stand in seriously straight lines!<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0That is a lot of angry Elves.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Ladies and gentlemen, Peter Jackson. *stares awestruck*<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Hi. Can we borrow a cup of sugar? Sorry, was the giant army too intimidating?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer44\"<\/a>
Image 44: More Elven archers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Guess what that armor looks like? *pause* Yea. Last Alliance armor. *rimshot*<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0 That’s a lot of brass polish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer45\"<\/a>
Image 45: Defiant Thorin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin actually looks worried here, like he’s just realizing what the consequences will be of his actions.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Thror-in. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dragon-sickness or no, I would follow this King Under the Mountain to the ends of the earth. As a man with a penchant for dying onscreen once said: “…my brother, my captain, my King.”<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0King Under the Mountain has taken up his Grandfather’s throne yet what a heavy crown to bear….. I delight in the forced geometry of this Dwarven culture. Great stuff from the designers at WETA.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I noticed Thorin shudder slightly here. Whether through tension, fear or uncertainty, I’m not sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer46\"<\/a>
Image 46: “You started this, you will forgive me if I finish it!”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0This shot reminds me of the scene between Elrond and Aragorn in the camp of the Rohirrim in ROTK.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil has issues with Gandalf. It will be interesting to see what his problem is. Makes me believe Thranduil is still out for his own interests.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil schooling Gandalf in the consequences of his action that set up this entire scenario in the first place. Gandalf does look depressed at seeing what has happened in Erebor while he was elsewhere and how things spiraled out of control so terribly.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Interesting. Will Gandalf have feelings of guilt, for urging Thrain and then Thorin to take back Erebor? His goal was to prevent Smaug being a weapon the enemy could use; but by driving Smaug out, was he simply playing into Sauron’s masterplan? The road to Mordor is paved with good intentions…<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil being a bit of an arrogant jerk to Gandalf. He’s a fairly unlikeable character and I see why Legolas is the way he is at the start of FOTR.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’m struck by the dynamic at play here. Thranduil practically condemning Gandalf for starting this entire chain of events – yet feeling no desire to stem the tide. McKellen looks to be playing this magnificently – showing Gandalf’s guilt at not fully realizing how matters could spin out of control.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil leaves unsaid ‘I want my gold too, gosh darn it.’ Then he looks to Bard and adds, ‘And, uh, help them rebuild. Yes. Totally.’<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil may be the only royalty in all of Middle-earth to give Gandalf such hostile back-talk!<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> My favorite scene in the trailer — Thranduil acting like the authoritative parent.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “You started this. You will forgive me if I finish it.” Thranduil REALLY wants those jewels!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer47\"<\/a>
Image 47: Elven archers again<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> They really loved showing off the Elven army didn’t they? Would have liked to have seen a bit more of the Dwarven one.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The precision of an Elven company of archers is awe inspiring. But I no longer believe they are shooting at the gate of Erebor.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0I’m not loving all the CGI elves – again, they look like clones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer48\"<\/a>
Image 48: And again<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Where do the Extras end and the computer ranks begin?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer49\"<\/a>
Image 49: The Dwarves arrive! Firing bigger arrows \ud83d\ude09<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Shame that this is the only image we have of the Dwarven army this time around. \u00a0Really big arrows they’re firing there. Can’t help thinking, “I bet they wished they’d had them in Erebor before Smaug arrived” \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Now THOSE definitely look Dwarf-made. Ouch!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0These giant spear throwing siege engines appear to be Dwarfish in make, rather than Orcish, and with the long wooden hitch in the front, this could very well be the device that the Rams are pulling in what originally looked like a Chariot, but was really a siege engine being taken to the battlefield. Those also appear to be fully armored Dwarfs working the engines, rather than Orcs. So the question is, do they let loose on the Elves, who are firing at something to the left of the entrance to Erebor, or has a new target come into view just as they two armies were squaring off.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Is this our one shot in the trailer of the Iron Hill dwarves? (I kind of like that they’re saving Dain for a big reveal in the film itself! Nice to have some secrets held back!)<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 BAGPIPES!!!<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Dwarvish war machines. I look forward to this.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0This weaponry must DEFINITELY be from the Iron Hills. Great take on a “Leonardo’s Crossbow.”<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Surely Iron Hill dwarves. Note the towbar at the front of the ballistae. Something hauls these along. Wargoats, perhaps? The large wheel diametre also indicates they are designed to cross rough terrain.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer50\"<\/a>
Image 50: Siege!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0I’m sorry, but it looks like they were trying to shoot the Dwarven statues \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0Stunning formation and sheer magnitude of strength!!! Gives me goosebumps!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The Elven archers do not appear to be shooting at the front of Erebor, but off to the left of the entrance. Is that were Ravenhill is and Thorin’s company is standing, or is it where the Iron Hill dwarves have set up, or has the Orc company moved into that location?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ll ever stop marveling at the Elves’ archery skills. Precision is a massive understatement.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Oh yeah, this looks like the Last Alliance of Elves and Men from FOTR.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Love how even the formations of the Elven army are designed.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Wow, that’s a lot of Elves!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer51\"<\/a>
Image 51: A parley gone badly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0I think this is Bard riding back with Thorin’s declaration that he will have war.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin and Kili look on as a lone figure rides off on a white horse. Last we saw, Legolas was on a white horse chasing after Bolg, but it makes no sense for him to be here. Same with Tauriel, she did not have a horse in Laketown, and she was reunited with Legolas amidst the carnage of the refugees on the shores of the Lake. But if you look at the War Moose image earlier, Bard’s mount is a white horse, and since we see him parlay with Thorin, it is much more likely that is Bard riding back to Dale.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0Tauriel riding off after she and the dwarves are reunited with the rest.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Pretty sure that’s Bard riding away – looks like his white horse.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0The board is set. The pieces are moving…<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I’m with Justin. I believe that is Tauriel, not Bard. We’ve seen Legolas and Tauriel roaming round the Lake-town refugee camp on a white horse in previous marketing material.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer52\"<\/a>
Image 52: Gandalf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:\u00a0<\/strong>Gandalf has a new staff: it looks similar to the one he carries at the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring (before losing it to Saruman) but the head might be at more of an angle.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Might that be Dan Hennah behind Gandalf’s left shoulder?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Radagast’s staff makes it into the trailer – but still no Radagast. I fear for the longevity of our silly wizard. Hopefully he gets his moment to shine at least.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf definitely with Lake-town refugees. So he arrives earlier than in the book. I wonder what he shall do.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes<\/strong> More fuel for the wild rumours surrounding the fate of Radagast. Gandalf clearly has possession of his staff. Has Radagast met an untimely end, or has he done a runner? Both options remain open as far as I can tell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer53\"<\/a>
Image 53: “When faced with death, what can anyone do?”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Is this Bilbo talking with Bard and Thranduil?<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo in Dale, but after he’s received the Mithril shirt. Not sure if this is during his secret midnight trip when he presents the Arkenstone to Bard, or if this is after Thorin has kicked him out of Erebor when he learns of Bilbo’s deed, but Bilbo seems to be explaining his actions “When faced with Death, what can anyone do?<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 I keep trying to work out exactly when Bilbo will get that mithril vest. Pretty early in the film, methinks.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo talking about death right before the battle perhaps?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0I’m not sure in what context Bilbo is saying this line. He could really be speaking to anyone, depending on when in the story this is taking place. He’s wearing the Mithril vest, of course. I await the scene of Thorin giving it to him with great anticipation. It’s a scene I think we’ve all been waiting for since it was referenced by Gandalf in the Extended Cut of The Fellowship of the Ring (and of course, for some of us, longer than that).<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0When faced with death, what can anyone do? Well, fight or run. Last time the Dwarves ran. Now they fight. Granted, Thorin’s head is not quite in the right space…<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0intriguing dialogue for Bilbo. Slight echoes of Pippin & Gandalf discussing the coming plunge into death at Minas Tirith.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> It’s our nominal protagonist! Nice of them to give Freeman some screentime.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “When faced with death, what can anyone do?” Says the hobbit with the magic invisibility ring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer54\"<\/a>
Image 54: The Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Still trying to work out where this is.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0The shape of those outcrops reminds me of Minas Morgul. Is this part of Dol Guldur?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Reminds me of Mordor. You know what also happened in Mordor? … you know I know you know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer55\"<\/a>
Image 55: Enter the Orcan army, including Troll-wartowers?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Troll-wartowers?? \u00a0You’ve got to be kidding!<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>The big Battle Trolls follow behind the heavily armored Orc army, laden with huge siege engines of their own. There is a much smaller cave troll with them, sort of directing them. These appear to be similar in size to the big Trolls that operated the Black Gates in ROTK.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0Right click > enhance > glow<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the kind of shot I don’t enjoy. I don’t think you can train cave trolls to be that coordinated…<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0And you thought one Cave Troll was a problem. I want me a statue of these guys. Make it so Weta. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Jackson claims this battle still won’t rival the scale of Pelennor Fields. I’m….not sure I believe him. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> They’ve got…a crap-ton of Cave Trolls!<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> It’s the newest Olympic event: Synchronized Troll Smashing!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer56\"<\/a>
Image 56: Yep Troll-wartowers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Apparently not. \u00a0Really not sure about these to be honest.<\/p>\n

grammaboodawg:<\/strong>\u00a0They have trolls who seem to be carrying war gear on their backs.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0ZOMGWTFBBQ trolls with siege engines on their backs that aren’t falling off! Don’t know whether I shall be ‘that’s so cool’ or ‘nope’ in theatres.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Here we see some good ol’ fashioned Orcish ingenuity; take your Hill Trolls (that can withstand sunlight) and put them to work carrying the heavy guns.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> You can see the ‘Cave Troll Master’ next to the first troll on the left. We see him later in a close-up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer57\"<\/a>
Image 57: The Lake-town survivors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0 Legolas and Tauriel riding through the Lake-town survivors.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas and Tauriel together on a white horse, either arriving or leaving the Laketown refugee camp. I wonder if it’s Legolas that gives Bard the white horse, or if there are two white horses, guess we’ll find out soon.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Looks like Legolas and Tauriel arriving at Dale, where there Lake-town refugees have gathered. So, I’m thinking Tauriel catches up with Legolas and they pursue Bolg to Dol Guldur, where they see the ‘war bats’; then they return to Dale to help in the fight.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas and Tauriel either taking off or returning from their trek. If it is indeed Mount Gundabad that they go to (and come back from), how do they travel such distances so quickly? (My vote goes to Littlefinger’s jet-pack *Game of Thrones reference*)<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> There’s that white horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer58\"<\/a>
Image 58: Thorin in Erebor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin definitely looks displeased, Kili is yelling at him about not standing by while others fight for them, and Thorin is not happy to be receiving such criticism.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0that looks like the horn Bombur blows from that earlier leaked pic.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This is a great shot. Look at the perspective, looking down that long hallway into the distance.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Yes Bombur’s horn is there.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Thorin is master of all he surveys. Too bad it’s mostly rubble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer59\"<\/a>
Image 59: “I will not hide, while others fight our battles for us!”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Kili showing he’s much more than just a Thorin-mini-me.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Clearly Kili really disagrees with Thorin on this point. The rest of the company just looks on, although I’m sure they all have opinions too.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Kili standing up for what’s right while his uncle loses it.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0This is sure to be another one of Jackson’s chest-thumping battle moments (ala Aragorn suiting up for Helm’s Deep) where Kili and the others will urge Thorin to charge out of Erebor. Jackson does these moments so very well. I imagine we’ve already heard the music (via the iTunes samples) that will follow this scene.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0You tell him Kili! … before you all die.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0And a defiant nephew tries to give his uncle some perspective. Knowing there is more *dissent* among the dwarves just by looking at them all standing behind Kili.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Fili defied Thorin in the last film; now it’s Kili’s turn. Growing pains, independence and forging one’s own sense of ethics. Important things, even for a dwarf. Also, more character conflict. At this point it may be easier to list who *hasn’t* had a tiff.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> A great quote to set up the inevitable.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “I will not hide while others fight our battles for us!” Kili has stepped up the game from passive aggressively lecturing Thorin to straight-up yelling at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer60\"<\/a>
Image 60: Bard on the burning rooftops of Lake-town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard is struggling to stay alive during Smaug’s attack and his town burning down around him.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0Is that *the* black arrow?<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Again, really hoping Bard might end up firing the Black Arrow from his bow…<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard about to use the Black Arrow? I would hope that is the case.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Agreeing with greendragon on this one – I really want to see that arrow fired from Bard’s bow, and not the windlance.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0That looks like a normal arrow and not the strange siege-engine bolts that were called black arrows in the second film. Were those put in to throw us off? I would not mind that, personally… I hope that’s the real black arrow that kills the dragon.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> That must be the black arrow. It’s surely too large a quarrel for that bow.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Hang on Bard!!! You can do it!<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> The Black Arrow is also useful as a handy grip when sliding off a roof. It’s not just for killing dragons!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer61\"<\/a>
Image 61: The Master and Alfrid fleeing the burning Lake-town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Alfrid and the Master fleeing Laketown, rather than try to fight, or save anyone. Then again, it is a pretty untenable position at the moment.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Greed will get you no place fast. Serves you right Master of Lake Town.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Alfrid, just when I think I really like you, you have to go and make those really appalling facial expressions. \ud83d\ude09 Ryan Gage has done a wonderful job in making such a despicable creature so completely endearing.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0The real question is, are these guys going to live through the fire?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0The Master:”There’s really nowhere to hide, is there Alfrid?” Alfrid:”Bullocks, sir.”<\/p>\n

Demmosthenes:<\/strong> The Master has lost his hairpiece in extremis. We see Alfrid later on in the ruins of Dale with Bard, but no sign of the Master. That does not bode well for Fry’s character surviving the night.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> These guys look a bit confident for having their town lit up. Maybe they’ve made some allegiance with the Orc Army?<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Best get out while the gettin’s good, Master!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer62\"<\/a>
Image 62: Prepare For<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Prepare for LOTS of special effects that hopefully do not overrun the story. Crossing fingers.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Oh, I’m prepared!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer63\"<\/a>
Image 63: Take this token<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Kili gives Tauriel his Rune Stone, which clearly means a lot to him and she accepts it willingly. Still not sure it’s actual love between them, but rather a mutual understanding of how they wish the world was and the affection one feels when meeting someone who agrees with their way of thinking.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0So Kili gives her the special rock. I think we saw this coming in DOS. Does she die with it though?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0“Tauriel, you’ve got really small hands for an Elf.”<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Ugh. Just… ugh. I want to think it’s a friendship, but… the whole scenes in the second film didn’t paint them incredibly platonically. It’s annoying. I hope we don’t see much of it.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> ‘It is mine to give to whom I will’ Arwen says to Aragorn… Oh wait. Sorry, wrong movie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer64\"<\/a>
Image 64: Kili and Tauriel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0 Nothing against Evangeline Lilly, I think she’s done an excellent job with a character that has caused so much dissent amongst the fans, but, you can add me to the list of fans who hates the whole Elf\/Dwarf love-story sub-plot, it really does not work for me.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0This whole scene reminds of Disney\u2019s Robin Hood when they’re behind the waterfall singing \u201cLove goes on and on\u201d<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Kili is cute, but personally I would struggle with that height difference – and I’m not even an elf… \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 I don’t mind this so much. I just don’t want it to be too heavy handed.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’ll lend the Kili\/Tauriel bond some support. I’m a bit of softie anyway, and I think Turner and Lilly have done a great job playing off each other. I probably stand with the minority on this one – but their scene in The Desolation of Smaug is one of my favorites (I can’t help but mention Howard Shore’s wonderful music again in how it contributes to the scene). This scene itself is sure to turn on the waterworks.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0This may be the first time EVER in a Hollywood film where they allowed the “love interest” to be between such a short dude against a super tall chick. Remember back in “Days of Thunder” when they would make Tom Cruise stand on an apple box to be as tall as Nicole Kidman in the same shot?<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> A touching moment between Kili and Tauriel. That pretty much just screams, “This is not going to end well!”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer65\"<\/a>
Image 65: Tauriel and Kili<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Tauriel looks like Kili just spat on her lol.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0The looks shared here do such a wonderful job of conveying the understanding between these two.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Give her credit for being a cultural mechanism for great changes between the Elves and Dwarves; or you could just say it was a Mary Sue moment writ large. Either way, Tauriel still isn’t checking in Kili’s trousers…. I never thought it was a genuine “love interest” angle in the film; but rather a character dynamic of “free love is better for us than hate” overall message.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer66\"<\/a>
Image 66: The bats attack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Are those bats or flying monkeys? They just look so disturbingly large.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Crossover! Who invited Man-Bat?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0There’s bats in them thar hills!<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Those are some pretty horrific bats. Very cool.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer67\"<\/a>
Image 67: Thranduil confronts Tauriel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0 This might as well have a signpost that says “Plot Point”<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0Thranduil breaks Tauriel’s bow, seems he’s not happy about the Elf\/Dwarf love-story either.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Wow, Thranduil is royally pissed off at Tauriel, slashing out at her and severing her bow, putting his sword edge dangerously close to her face, close enough to move her hair aside. He’s also got a bit of the flashback dragon scar action going on with this face. Not sure what has him so mad. Is it simply that she put Legolas’ life at risk by running off, forcing Legolas to follow, or has she told him how she saved the life of a Dwarf by healing him, or is she standing between him and someone Thranduil wishes to get to? Can’t wait to see how this conflict plays out.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0that blood splatter is shaped like a heart, speaking to fangirls worldwide.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Why is Thranduil so angry with Tauriel? Is she protecting a dwarf?<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Thranduil ain’t happy about something.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Looks like forgiveness is off the table now.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Unfortunately I am jaded. I just see unnecessary drama in this scene. I hope to be pleasantly surprised and proven wrong.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Clearly a stroke of violence against his own Captain of the Guard. There are rumors that this is the shot where Thranduil shatters Tauriel’s bow; but not her neck.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> As Calisuri has pointed out, it would be both ballsy and dark for the writers to have Thranduil slay Tauriel. I think that the later scene with Bolg indicates that this is not the case however there are still some heavy symbolic implications: the bow is a symbol of Tauriel’s role in Thranduil’s realm; it’s destruction an indicator that she has been summarily dismissed (if not actually executed). You could also think of it as a call-back to Thranduil’s summary execution of the orc in DOS.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> I mentioned it before – but can you imagine if the writers took a dramatic risk and had Thranduil dispatch Tauriel? It would take this movie out of the ‘safe’ realm into a whole new level. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> I’m not saying Thranduil doesn’t have reason to be angry at Tauriel. She did defy his orders and drag his son along with her. But a little less slicey rage might work better for him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer68\"<\/a>
Image 68: Azog<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0I’m going to find it very hard not to cheer out loud when this guy buys it. \u00a0I know other TORn-staff love him, but I’m not one of them, he had no place in these films.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Isn’t Azog dead yet? Man I wish he’d died back at Azanulbizar. Sorry; love Manu Bennet, hate this character.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 Azog looks great. The level of detail in him is as good as anything Weta has done, IMO.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I guess I’ll raise my hand and be the guilty party here. I like Azog’s impact on the films. I didn’t warm to his presence until The Desolation of Smaug, but I like how he’s been worked into the story.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Orc whose name the majority of movie goers forgot reappears!<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Feels and looks more “World of Warcraft” in this particular shot.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Azog, right? Looks a lot more detailed than previous movies.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Oh hi, Azog! Almost forgot you were still a part of this!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer69\"<\/a>
Image 69: The Defining Moment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0*cough*NotTrue*cough*<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> So, first it was the defining chapter. Now it’s the defining moment. That seems a bit too specific.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer70\"<\/a>
Image 70: The gap that separates…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0This appears to be Thorin, alone again, overlooking some frozen stretch of river on the side of the mountain. In fact, that appears to be a frozen waterfall in the foreground, wonder what the purpose of this place is in warmer weather.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Where is this? I don’t quite understand the weather patterns of this part of Middle-earth – how there are totally frozen places just a few miles away from sunny, warm places (as we see in DoS – when the dwarves leave Mirkwood and are suddenly surrounded by icebergs…)<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Is that Azog across the mist?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Who is that standing there? Bard?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> I think this is the Ravenhill where the Company goes to confront Azog. That is definitely Thorin by the water’s edge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer71\"<\/a>
Image 71: Who’s a pretty boy then?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Cave Troll, with a giant mace, don’t think I’d want to get in his way.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0This guy looks like Tom Wilkinson from Batman Begins.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the kind of stuff I could happily do without in these films. Really not loving these weird CGI characters.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0That dude is ugly.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Here is where you can see why PJ has turned to liking CG creatures in the films. You just can’t get this kind of unique body shape with prosthetics.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0What IS that thing? A half troll? Whatever it is, it is ugly to a T. This is why crossbreeding is bad, mmk Sauron?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Good morning, beautiful.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> There’s that Cave Troll Master guy. Um…not sure why we highlight such a poorly executed character (He reminds me of Gothmog from ROTK).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer72\"<\/a>
Image 72: Bilbo in battle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0This appears to be Bilbo facing these 4 Orcs, with Dwalin right behind him. Bilbo either ducks or puts on his ring while he’s ducking and Dwalin comes in behind and swings at that first Orc. Did not expect to see Bilbo with the Dwarves during any of the conflict, not sure what’s going on here.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Dwalin comes to Bilbo’s rescue?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo leading the battle. Yikes. Don’t kill yourself, Bilbo.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Definitely we have Bard and Bilbo getting face-to-face with Bolg’s little group, I suspect this shot can be tied to the other reaction shot of Bilbo we saw in the previous teaser trailer. Check the snowy arches and the environment around them.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Watch out for the CG orcs Bilbo! Man what I’d give to see Lawrence Makoare back in the fold in REAL effects.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer73\"<\/a>
Image 73: Thorin attacks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> Lead up to tissue time.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin going head to head with Azog, who has replaced the pitchfork in his severed arm with a sword blade. BTW, the Defiler is now wearing armor, which includes a codpiece shaped like a face. Ugh.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 I so hope Thorin actually finishes the job and kills Azog this time.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin and Azog going at it again. Didn’t work out so well this time and I don’t expect it will this time. I love the armor and sword arm thing Azog has on.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 This really is going to be movie full of epic showdowns, isn’t it? *claps geekily*<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Thorin versus Azog on Ravenhill. Ravenhill seems to be mostly icebound and icy, and the architecture is very different from the style of Dale. Question is, will Azog escape yet again for a final clash in front of Erebor? Or will Thorin kill him leaving only the big and ultimately fatal confrontation with Bolg?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer74\"<\/a>
Image 74: Azog strikes back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0Huh? \u00a0Azog’s prostethic arm has turned into a sword? \u00a0Sorry, I just keep thinking of the Borg from Star Trek.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Not a fan of Azog’s ‘sword arm’. I could just about accept that he’d stuck a fork in this wounded arm and the wound healed around it; but the idea that he can swap it out for other weapons is – um – silly…<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0I’m ambivalent about Azog’s sword arm, but I LOVE the armor. The character design works much better for me with armor, I must say.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0the Gang’s All Here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer75\"<\/a>
Image 75: Of The Middle-earth Legend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0The defining moment of the Middle-earth legend? Good to see hyperbole is still alive and well in movie trailers.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’ll have to agree with J.W. here. I’m anticipating this film as much as anyone, but the “defining moment” came 11 years ago with a little film called The Return of the King.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 … until we make a remake a decade or two later, because that is what we do.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> First it was The Middle-earth Saga. Now it’s The Middle-earth Legend. Just pick a tag line and stick to it!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer76\"<\/a>
Image 76: Looking at Lake-town burning<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo and the dwarves observe Lake-town burning, knowing they unleashed the Dragon’s fury on all those people, which now includes four of their companions too. Not sure if they will be able to see what happens to Smaug.<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0Early in the film.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0A beautiful shot. Lake-town burns; surely from very early in the film?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Something is on fire. I wonder what that could be? Oh, probably just a couple of bushes, guys, it’s ok… I’m sure Lake-town is perfectly all right…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer77\"<\/a>
Image 77: A determined Bard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard still trying not to fall during Smaug’s attack.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0For some reason, I keep hearing the climactic music from the end of Aliens (“Bishop’s Countdown”) when I see this shot.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0You kill that dragon, Bard. You kill him.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Luke Evans, just a Welsh lad having the time of his life, ladies and gentlemen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer78\"<\/a>
Image 78: Tauriel distraught<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0I’ve seen a lot of speculation that Tauriel is holding someone in this scene, but to me it just looks like she’s huddling on the ground after being balled-out by Thranduil, perhaps clutching the remains of her bow to her chest.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Tauriel on the ground, looking very sad and possibly a little injured. Not sure if this is after Thranduil’s anger, or maybe after Bolg has tossed her around a bit.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Whom is Tauriel holding here? I’m guessing Kili… WISH we could see more of this shot – I think this contains a big spoiler, if only we could ‘scroll down’!!<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Tauriel mortally wounded?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I think Tauriel is definitely holding Kili here. But who is she looking up to?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Kili must be dead in her arms at this point. I’m guessing.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> From the iciness of the flagstones, this is another Ravenhill scene. Could be remorse toward Thranduil but I think that scene happens in Dale. That makes me think it’s something else. Considering the dwarves are also fighting on the Ravenhill, maybe it’s something to do with a certain hotdwarf.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Are we sure those feet are dwarven? She could very well be injured, looking up from the ground and about to die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer79\"<\/a>
Image 79: Thorin and his gold<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin’s arms are upraised, a gesture to the other dwarves up on the parapet. But is this in exaltation at taking the mountain, or frustration at not finding the Arkentstone?<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0This is definitely a continuation of the shot from earlier in the trailer. Looks now to be occurring early in the film – a moment of victory for Thorin (in his mind, at least). Does he not yet know what his actions have caused?<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I wonder if he shall start to swim in it. Goodness knows I would certainly attempt it at least once. Might be a bit anticlimatic to drown in gold halfway through the film, though.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> So, who’s Mr Nigel no-mates?<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> ‘I’m the King of the World!’<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer80\"<\/a>
Image 80: Bolg kicking Tauriel’s butt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> I know a few of our disqus regulars who’re really going to enjoy this bit…<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Speaking of Bolg tossing Tauriel around like a rag doll, here it is. So is this how she gets on the ground and will Bolg be standing above her with a sword, or does she survive this?<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0So does Thorin kill Azog, and then Bolg attacks Thorin – who is defended by his nephews – who are defended by Tauriel?<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bolg going to work on Tauriel. He’s a nasty dude.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I am Bolg! I should have been the star of the show, but my dad stole the role by being alive for a couple hundred years longer than originally.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Bolg can’t seem to stop his last fight from the end of the last film.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> No way Bolg could ever take out Tauriel — but whatever, we’ll go with it. Color me disappointed if this is in fact her end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer81\"<\/a>
Image 81: Tauriel taking a heavy hit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 Despite widespread speculation to the contrary, I’m going to say that I think Tauriel survives this encounter. I actually don’t think she’ll be biting the dust in the film.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0The abuse and stuntwork required on the physical body just to get these shots…… I mean, seriously…… Unless it’s one of those tricksy CG things, my precious can’t be fooled…..!<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> So, Bolg is on Ravenhill too. Maybe the whole climax where the characters in fact, sort each other out, happens here. So that Thorin offs Azog, then Bolg offs Kili, Fili and severely hurts Tauriel so that Legolas steps in (see the screencaps below). But if so, how does Beorn figure into things? Lots of puzzle pieces here.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Bolg really has a thing for throwing Elves around, doesn’t he?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer82\"<\/a>
Image 82: Gandalf upset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf’s “How shall this day end?” is he talking to Thorin or to the assembled Elves and Men of Laketown? Is this about choosing peace, making alliances, or is he rousing the suddenly overwhelmed troops?<\/p>\n

Justin:<\/strong>\u00a0We know this dialog are two seperate lines from different scenes, the first part \u201cnow is the time where you must decide what side youre on\u201d in reference to the coming war.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Gandalf once again being the voice of reason. I love this character so much. I wish people were actually this level headed.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0No matter what issues I may have had regarding the making of these films, Peter Jackson is giving me Gandalf the Grey delivering an epic pre-battle speech. That’s all I could ever ask for.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Man, I love Gandalf the Grey so much. I don’t care what he does here, I love him.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> “How shall this day end?” Probably with a lot of exhaustion?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer83\"<\/a>
Image 83: Legolas taking on Bolg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Yipes, it’s Legolas in one on one battle with Bolg, who also has a skull codpiece, ugh. So, is this after Bolg beats up on Tauriel? And does this mean that Beorn does not join in the battle? I so wanted Beorn to take down Bolg because of his choice of shoulder armor (bear claws from Changelings).<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0 … and then Tauriel is defended (unsuccessfully, methinks) by Legolas.<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas in round two with Bolg. I bet it doesn’t work out for Bolg this time and I bet its after Bolg has killed Tauriel.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Legolas\/Bolg redux. Just expect by the time this fight sequence is over in BOTFA one of these characters will finally be really dead. Just one, though. Can you guess?<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> So after Bolg dispatches Tauriel (Blarg – that sucks), Legolas gets his revenge for his bff’s death.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Legolas is getting brutal revenge for that bloody nose Bolg gave him!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer84\"<\/a>
Image 84: Legolas turning his back on Bolg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Has Legolas just delivered the death blow to Bolg? I hope not. That’s for someone else to do, Blondie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer85\"<\/a>
Image 85: Lake-town before the fire rains down<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The last moment of peace for the people of Laketown, they sleep through the battle in the Mountain, which is now glowing from Dragon Fire and the Forges, about to spew out the Chiefest of Calamities.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Beautiful shot – but pre Smaug attack, so must be right at the start of the film (if indeed it’s in this film at all, and not just being used for the trailer). I do LOVE the look of Lake-town.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0If we’re placing bets, I want to say that this will be the opening shot of the film.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0!!! The line from the book where the mountain glowed gold\/orange! Alright, I forgive you PJ for anything else that happens in the film that I may dislike. So long as this scene is there. Bonus points if Random Extra says something about gold.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer86\"<\/a>
Image 86: Azog and Thorin slogging it out<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> I really don’t think all the fan-girls are ready for this.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Thorin and Azog still locked in battle.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I honestly cannot guess how this confrontation will end. Putting the book aside, I really want Armitage’s Thorin to get some payback here.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Every villain you can imagine is portrayed many times in this trailer….
\nAZOG
\nBOLG
\nTHE MASTER
\nSAURON
\nTROLLS
\nBATS
\nORCS
\n…….. but still no SMAUG.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> All signs point to the resolution for Five Armies being on Ravenhill.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Azog about to take out Thorin?<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> A little taste of the epic Azog\/Thorin throw-down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer87\"<\/a>
Image 87: Lake-towners fight back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0The Men of Laketown not backing down from the Orc army, even though they are not armored up.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0The people of Laketown charging Orcs in battle armor. Sadly, I can’t see that ending well for them.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0Random men of Lake-town fighting? That’s pretty neat. They should really think about armor, though. Shame the Elves couldn’t lend some out.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0What do you want to bet that the poor Laketown guys in this shot are mincemeat within seconds? These Orcs are more prorperly weaponed and armored up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer88\"<\/a>
Image 88: Is this a cross between a troll and an orc?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Wow, Cave Trolls are just getting uglier.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0What is that thing and why is it haunting my dreams.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0The grotesque variety of ugly faces found within Troll-kind never ceases to amaze me.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> That’s a pretty cool character design — from this angle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer89\"<\/a>
Image 89: Bard invents the battering chariot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bard in an out of control wagon, about to careen into a big Troll.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 Kill it with the cart, Bard! Kill it with the cart!<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Mystery Solved! It is actually Bard riding in that crazy wagon. The ruins of Dale perhaps in the background?<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> The tone of the trailer has been very sombre, then they have to throw in this car chase moment. I guess it’s the corrolary of the dwarves’ war chariot.<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> Ahhh, the little used No. 57 on the ‘100 ways to dispatch an Orc’ — The cart attack.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Battle Wagon is ready for some troll slaughter!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer90\"<\/a>
Image 90: The One Ring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo pulls out the Ring and considers his decision for a moment.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo’s about to place the Ring on his finger. Will we still get some element of him being knocked out following this and not seeing the end of the battle?<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Isildur’s Bane…….<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> The One Ring to rule them all.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer91\"<\/a>
Image 91: Bilbo’s out of here<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garfeimao:\u00a0<\/strong>In the ruins of Dale, Bilbo puts the Ring on. Interestingly enough, he wears it on his Left Index finger, just as Frodo does, the same finger Frodo will later lose to Gollum. The question here, is this the first time he visits Dale, when he comes to bring the Arkenstone, or later when he’s been evicted from Erebor, or sometime during the battle when he wants to vanish from the fight? My guess is this is when he’s sneaking in the first time, since he’s not sure if he will know anyone and it does not do to sneak into a war camp if no one knows who you are or which side you are on.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Martin Freeman gives us the finger; so unlike him. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0Bilbo putting on the ring right before he’s knocked out.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Mr. Freeman gives us one more parting shot, showing his affection for us all.<\/p>\n

Quickbeam:<\/strong>\u00a0Still no Smaug, when we thought we would get a year’s worth of a heavy presence in the marketing of his image. In the end, this is a most effective shot to conclude the *last* of all the trailers we will ever get for a Middle-earth film…… It all comes back to the One Ring. How appropos.<\/p>\n

Demosthenes:<\/strong> Dale. But is Bilbo sneaking in, or sneaking out?<\/p>\n

Calisuri:<\/strong> ‘Get me out of this damn movie!!!’ – Bilbo.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Check it out folks! It’s a rare “moment that actually happened in the book”!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer92\"<\/a>
Image 92: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J.W. Braun:<\/strong>\u00a0Best Hobbit trailer of them all – and without any Smaug too.<\/p>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong> \u00a0Have to agree with JW here, this has definitely been the best Hobbit trailer. \u00a0Only gripe I have is that it would have been nice to see Dain and the Dwarven army.<\/p>\n

Garfeimao:<\/strong>Loving the sunset palette of colors used in the credits here, seemingly to indicate the sunset of the Middle-earth series of films.<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0Still wish it was just ‘The Battle of Five Armies’…<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 I’ve warmed up to the new title. I do love these graphics.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0The reflective quality of the titles really is quite beautiful. Speaking of which, I can now fully appreciate why the title was changed from “There and Back Again” to “The Battle of the Five Armies”. As much as I love the former, it really would not have fit at all with this film.<\/p>\n

Ainu Laire:<\/strong>\u00a0 I know why they renamed the film, but I still miss There and Back Again.<\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> And there it is!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer93\"<\/a>
Image 93: December 17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelvarhin:<\/strong>\u00a0Still December 26th in Australia \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0#OneLastTime – sadness!<\/p>\n

Elessar:<\/strong>\u00a0 I hate waiting. I’ve already taken the day after off so I can go see it at midnight. Just the first of several viewings.<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0Hashtags at the end of an elegant Middle-earth movie trailer? Ugh – this is the world we live in. \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/p>\n

Sarumann:<\/strong> Only one month to go! I’m definitely going to be sad when this all comes to an end. But the good thing about fandom is that it keeps going even after the movies are over!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer94\"<\/a>
Image 94: The Gang behind it all<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"BotFATrailer95\"<\/a>
Image 95: More of the gang behind it all<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

greendragon:<\/strong>\u00a0I wonder if Del Toro recognizes anything in these movies?? One suspects they have come a LONG way from what he had had in mind…<\/p>\n

Pretty great trailer. Again, the casting and the great acting make these films for me; less CGI is more, imo! Of course I can’t wait to see this movie – seems odd to think we’re coming to the final chapter, after all these years….<\/p>\n

Aragorn the Elfstone:<\/strong>\u00a0 I agree that this was probably the best of the Hobbit trailers (though I will always be somewhat partial to the first An Unexpected Journey Teaser). It was equal parts epic and emotional. Come December 17, I hope to say the very same about the film itself. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And that’s it folks! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s been a long journey since our very first TORn staff frame-by-frame trailer analysis — all the way…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":94232,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[22,4,2497,156,159,1724],"tags":[2013,2675],"class_list":["post-94236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-headlines","category-hobbit-movie","category-the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies","category-torn-announcements","category-torn-community","category-trailer","tag-frame-by-frame","tag-the-hobbit-the-battle-of-the-five-armies-trailer"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/BotFATrailer92.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1tLoH-ovW","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94236"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94459,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94236\/revisions\/94459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/94232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}