Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is the sequel to the very popular and surprisingly great Sherlock Holmes released in 2009. A Game of Shadows brings back Holmes and Watson for one more mystery. Introduced is a gypsy whom the mystery somehow involves her and also Moriarty, Holmes’ famous nemesis.
THE ACTORS
Robert Downey Jr. is pitch perfect as Sherlock Holmes and becomes absolutely immersed in the role. His accent is thoroughly convincing, the smug attitude, the body language, it is all of a man who thinks he is brilliant, which is basically Holmes in a nutshell.
Jude Law is equally as great as Dr. Watson, Holmes’ sidekick and his only true friend. Watson is the more level headed, straight thinking member of the duo and often quite paranoid and fearful for Holmes’ safety, Law gets this across expertly which only cements his on screen bond with Holmes.
Noomi Rapace plays the Gypsy who is vaguely involved with the mystery. Her exact involvement is unraveled throughout the film so i will not give anything away. Rapace does a good job with the material she is given, not mind blowing but sufficient. Nothing memorable here.
The true surprise of the film is Jared Harris as Professor Moriarty. Moriarty basically is supposed to be the intellectual and physical equal of Sherlock Holmes, sometimes even surpassing him. Harris is pure genius in the role and definitely gives the audience the feeling that he could out-Holmes Holmes at any minute. Yet with the dark streak that most cinematic villains exhibit. It really is enthralling watching Holmes and Moriarty play chess. Yes, playing chess.
THE DIRECTOR
I am a huge Guy Ritchie fan and he has delivered a great film yet again.
Ritchie faced a dilemma this time, keep Holmes in London and make the film feel sort of restricted, keeping the exact same visuals as the first film, or send Holmes and Watson through Europe and trying to make the streets in each country look as they would at that time, he chose the latter, took the risk and it paid off. Europe looks beautiful and is definitely keeping with the setting.
Did you like the forest chase scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1? Well this film takes that scene up to a next level, extremely inventive use of slow motion, interesting camera angles and enough explosions to keep Michael Bay happy. Yet it never loses its heart and never stops being suspensful and heart racing.
CONCLUSION
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a great film with a great villain and a great story. In my opinion it is slightly better than its predecessor and is definitely worth checking out.
MY SCORE
8/10