Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

This film is fun. Director Guy Ritchie provides entertainment from start to finish. Set when the 19th century is drawing uneasily to a close, with anarchist bombs causing much tension between the great European powers, Jared Harris plays Professor Moriarty, the Napoleon of crime who is directing a despicable new plan for global domination. Cue Hero. And the only person who can stop him is of course Sherlock Holmes (Robert. Downey Jr). However, unfortunately he has lost his side kick and best buddy Dr. Watson (Jude Law), who is deserting his wingman and bachelor days to get married. Unsurprisingly though, as events turn out Holmes the witty mastermind hijacks poor Watson's stag night to set the wheels of adventure in motion, as they meet a woman Simza, (Noomi Rapace) who is to be the key to the mystery.

The eccentricity and outrageousness of Holmes juxtaposed with the coolness and Britishness of Watson plays out a brilliant double act by Downey Jr. and Law. The witticisms and humour of the film are accentuated by Holmes's many disguises, although may be pushed to the point of silliness such as when he dresses as a woman. But in terms of the film's overall tone it works comically. The fight scenes share a similar trick to that witnessed in The Bourne Identity only here Holmes uses nearby objects in fight scenes with little skill such as throwing a chicken in his enemies face. It's also worth mentioning that Hans Zimmer's score perfectly encapsulates the film's energy and excitement, especially in the opening credits and throughout the action moments.

I felt the plot fell slightly short of that seen in the first film, but Ritchie triumphs in how the film is shot and the overall tone and mood. During the hyper-kinetic fight sequences he then slows them up for zero-gravity "bullet time" sequences. Impressively Ritchie uses these moments to not only break down brilliantly choreographed punch-ups, but to also take us into Holmes's mind, where he sizes-up his opposition to uncover their weaknesses and also how he unearths minuscule clues. I would add that the film gives no real value or substance to any of the female roles. The only other weak moment was in a scene with Holmes' brother played by Stephen Fry where in a bizarre exchange over breakfast with Watson's wife he stands completely naked and introduces an unnecessarily camp element by addressing Holmes as "Sherly..."

However if you want a fun action packed film from start to end and with Stephen Fry's naked bum thrown in for good measure then this film is a winner.

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