Factual error: The melting point of gold is nearly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and yet Thorin rides a wheelbarrow through a river of molten gold with his fingers inches away from the stream. Even if we believe the dwarfs are hardier than men, I doubt he could survive that, let alone the wheelbarrow.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
1 factual error
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
Revealing mistake: When Smaug confronts Bilbo and weaves around the gold in his lair, as the dragon asks "What else do you claim to be?" his tail passes through one of the pillars (audience's left).
Kili: Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers.
Tauriel: Or nothing.
Trivia: In the beginning of the scene in the Master of Laketown's house, Alfrid tries to empty a chamberpot through the open window. During this, the window half closes, so much of the contents of the chamberpot splash on the inside of the window and windowsill. In the extras of the Extended edition it is told that this happened during the first take, and the scene was reshot many times. Nevertheless, the first take ended up in the final cut. (01:11:35)
Question: Why on earth does Bilbo remove the ring in front of Smaug? He has no real reason to believe that Smaug won't simply eat him or roast him. Smaug can hear and smell him but can't see him, so as long as he remains still, he is safe unless Smaug gets lucky. Seems like taking the ring off is a huge risk that was not necessary.
Answer: Smaug started talking about the ring, which started drawing the attention of the Necromancer (Sauron), causing Bilbo pain. Remember, wearing the ring made one noticeable to dark forces.
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Chosen answer: Bilbo is actually quite clever, I think he was trying to talk his way out by buttering Smaug up. If he tried to run, Smaug, who was on high alert, would have caught him and swallowed him without a second thought. By playing with words he was able to both interest and distract Smaug, and get away.