Raging fires burn towns to the ground, massive armies gather on misty mountains. Evil lurks not only in the shadows, but in the hearts of the characters the world has grown to love. The final installment in the Hobbit trilogy, The Battle of Five Armies comes out Dec. 17.

The last movie, The Desolation of Smaug, left off with the immense dragon, Smaug, flying toward the human settlement of Laketown, ready to destroy it. Meanwhile, even darker trouble has begun as Gandalf is captured by the Necromancer. Left on the edge of their seats, many Saint Paul Academy and Summit School students eagerly await the release of the final film.

Sophomore Ali Duval said that she could not be more excited for the movie. “There’s going to be a bunch of stuff like fire and Smaug,” Duval said. Another perk for Duval is that one of her favorite actors, Martin Freeman, stars as reluctant adventurer Bilbo Baggins.

Junior Alice Tibbetts is also impressed with the casting of the movie. “I’ve come to appreciate some of the characters more because of how well they are acted, especially Gandalf and Bilbo,” Tibbetts said.

Tibbetts is also excited for the huge concluding battle which is sure to be visually stunning. “I’m excited for all the action, but definitely not for any of the deaths,” Tibbetts said.

Sophomore Andrew Michel is also eager for the next movie. He said he thinks the best part of the movies will be the extra plot that has been added. “Even if you have read the books, I think you’ll get some surprises,” he said.

Duval and Michel are avid fans of Lord of the Rings even though they have not read the series in its entirety. “I’ve tried three times to read the books, but I stop after getting halfway through every time,” Duval said. Michel got halfway through the second book, The Two Towers, before stopping. “Finishing them is on my to-do list,” he said.

Tibbetts, on the other hand, grew up with the books, as her dad read them to her and her siblings when they were young. “I’d draw pictures to go along with every chapter,” Tibbetts said.

Both devoted fans and newcomers to the series can enjoy this enthralling trilogy, so if you’re looking for a reward for finishing exams, treat yourself to the thrilling ride The Battle of Five Armies is sure to be.