MOVIE REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Written by: Michele Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney
Additional: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (characters: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson)

STARS:

Robert Downey Jr. ... Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law ... Dr. John Watson
Noomi Rapace ... Madam Simza Heron
Rachel McAdams ... Irene Adler
Jared Harris ... Professor James Moriarty
Stephen Fry ... Mycroft Holmes
Paul Anderson ... Colonel Sebastian Moran
Kelly Reilly ... Mary Watson
Geraldine James ... Mrs. Hudson
Eddie Marsan ... Inspector Lestrade
William Houston ... Constable Clark

Sherlock Holmes is facing his biggest case ever and it has to begin on the eve of Watson's wedding to Mary. Sherlock's willing to fight alone, but his arch-enemy, Dr. Moriarty, is not going to let Dr. Watson go Scot-free for foiling his plans.


Soon, Holmes and the newlyweds are engaged in a struggle for not just their lives, but those of innocent German and French as well because if Moriarty's plans come to fruition, there will be war.

Everyone who's read Conan Doyle's stories has a different vision of Sherlock. From the very first time I saw Robert Downey, Junior in the role, I thought "that's it!" I preferred the more martial Sherlock to Basil Rathbone's subdued portrayal. And I enjoyed A Game of Shadows even more than the first film. I think both Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law have come to understand their characters better and it shows on the film. Actually, seeing Professor James Moriarty was a real bonus, too. Jared Harris did a magnificent job of creating an evil genius and an apt foe for our hero.

As usual, Guy Ritchie did an amazing job of recreating Victorian London. But we didn't just stay there. We had a European tour of Germany, France, and Switzerland. The whole film was a delight to the eyes and ears.

I don't award stars in this venue, but I liked the film well enough to see it on opening day and return later opening weekend with friends to see it again. I own the 2009 Sherlock Holmes and will be purchasing A Game of Shadows on Blu Ray as well.

Rebecca McFarland Kyle, December 2011