SMAUG is perhaps the perfect movie villain.

The dragon’s fiery presence is felt throughout the first part of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

But you only see glimpses of the fearsome beast as he nestles beneath the Dwarves’ vast treasure in Erebor.

There has been a year of anticipation since then but in the second part of the The Hobbit trilogy – The Desolation of Smaug – the wait is over.

Bilbo Baggins’ confrontation with the dragon lives up to towering expectations built up since our last cinematic trip to Middle Earth.

Smaug looks terrifying but it is his mischievous character that really makes the film.

Sherlock and Star Trek actor Benedict Cumberbatch gives the creature its voice, making him sound poetic and hexing.

Smaug also has the feel of an old fashioned foe who spends more time watching Bilbo with his beady eyes and taunting him, like a cat with a mouse, than breathing fire.

Peter Jackson returns to the director’s chair for his fifth adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s high fantasy works and he is a natural.

The way The Desolation of Smaug is shot feels magical at times with each fast-paced action sequence a stunning technical accomplishment.

There is a spectacular sequence when Martin Freeman’s Bilbo and the Dwarves’ jump in barrels to take on river rapids while being pursued by Elves and Orcs.

Equally, a forest battle with giant spiders is intense but stays within the confines of a family film thanks to clever editing.

There are some new and old faces which add to the fun.

Stephen Fry gleefully takes on the role of Master of Laketown and Orlando Bloom returns as Legolas but is outshone by Lost’s Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel Meanwhile, Ian McKellen’s wizard Gandalf leaves the ragtag group for his own quest which ties in with Lord of the Rings.

The film is not perfect though.

The Desolation of Smaug suffers from being the middle chapter in a trilogy so there is plenty of action but not enough plot.

It also lacks the whimsical charm of An Unexpected Journey, which is what made it such a festive treat.

Fans may also be disappointed that ‘were-bear’ Beorn, a favourite from the book, plays such a brief part in the film.

Forgive that and you have the latest satisfying instalment of an epic series which is fast becoming a Christmas must.