Review: Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows

Dec 21, 2011 by jerry    No Comments    Posted under: Movies, Reviews

There are sequels that take what the first film established and improves on it. A Game of Shadows, the second in what’s hopefully going to be a trilogy of Sherlock Holmes movies, isn’t necessarily one of those films. What it manages to be is a sequel that walks a pretty parallel path to the original, and considering how good the first film was, that’s still some pretty high praise.

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as a manic, possibly mentally damaged and tortured version of Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as the unfairly handsome, glorious moustache wielding, stable and calming influence Dr. Watson. Their on-screen chemistry, if not already apparent from the top image, is palpable and returning fans will be happy to see the two tossing delightfully British banter back and forth once again. Sadly, Rachel McAdams is relegated to not much more than a cameo in this film, leaving a gaping void hole pit that Noomi Rapace doesn’t manage to fill.

The story isn’t incredibly complex or groundbreaking. Tell me if this sounds like a familiar plot: Bad guy is an evil schemer who is scheming things, and it’s up to good guy to figure out what he’s up to and stop him! All the same, the movie manages to keep you tuned in with some great pacing, stylish filmmaking and just enough clues dropped in your lap to keep you engaged.

One of the great things about the first film, aside from Rachel McAdams’ sexiness, was Sherlock’s pre-fight premonitions. You know, that thing he does when he plays the fight out in slow-mo in his mind, giving us a play-by-play of the ass-kickery he’s planning on giving? Yeah, that’s back and it’s still as delightful to take in as a a double bacon cheeseburger. In addition, A Game of Shadows treats viewers to one of the cooler sequences you’ll see in any movie this year. It involves a forest, mortar fire, splintering trees, guns, running, slow motion, a weird kind of quasi-3D-parallax effect, explosions and a little wetness in your pants.

A great comedic gag right at the end caps off an overall fun and enjoyable experience. It’s hard not to recommend this film to returning fans and even those new to the series. It’s a fun, thrilling ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously and pitches a near perfect balance between action, comedy and mystery.

a fun, thrilling ride that pitches a near perfect balance between action, comedy and mystery

4 out of 5

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!