Thursday, December 15, 2011

"SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS" - MOVIE REVIEW


Still from Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes is back and there's never a dull moment with one of the World's smartest and crafty Men. In Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, our beloved Hero - reprised by Robert Downey Jr. - is up against his most ruthless opponent ever in Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), who is out to change the course of the World and profit greatly from it all. Despite just getting married, Sherlock's trusty Sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) hardly gets a moment to breathe before being dragged back into yet another taxing investigation.  Along the way, we meet a Gypsy named Sim (Noomi Rapace) who is a Wanted Woman, joining forces with Sherlock and Dr. Watson in a deadly fight for survival and a fight for what is right with Professor Moriarty always at close range.

Where Director Guy Ritchie's Sequel falls short of its 2009 Predecessor is the lack of a clear Story Line, which in all honesty is a bit challenging to follow amidst all the History.  Lags in pacing also could have been reduced as we are given extraneous detail on the time Sherlock and Dr. Watson spend apart, when really what matters is the Duo in-action together.  Overall, Downey and Law lack that spark they had the first time around here, but Harris' horrific Villain is sinfully good.

Nonetheless, those expecting to be entertained will get exactly what they bargained for.  Stop-motion action sequences are rather brilliant, gutt-wrenching and suspenseful.  Also, just the right amount of laughs are delivered to keep our attentions focused.  Warner Bros. releases Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opens in theatres December 16, 2011.