9. The Action Is Not Inferior
Another common criticism of The Hobbit is that its action considerably pales in comparison to the action in Rings. However, there are many standout sequences in this trilogy that in fact give testament to Jacksons prowess when it comes to stimulating set pieces. Boiling since An Unexpected Journey, the clash of two titans, Thorin Oakenshield and Azog The Defiler, gives birth to one of the most haunting moments across all three parts and even all six parts, stylishly surpassing Fellowships clash of Aragorn and Lurtz. Thorin out-wits the knucklehead and sends him plunging into the ice covered lake, leaving the beasts limp body to drift beneath the surface. Just when you think Thorin has triumphed, Azog suddenly opens his eyes and pierces his razor sharp extremity through the sheet of ice and through Thorins foot! Now thats action wizardry that even Gandalf would applaud Furthermore, the dwarves brutal yet elegant escape from Mirkwood, as they charge down stream in barrels, coupled with their earlier escape from Goblin Town, offers a stark reminder that fans are back in Middle Earth and firmly couched in Jacksons and Tolkiens sword-slinging spectacular.