Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows







Release Date: Dec 16, 2011
Runtime: 2 hr. 8 min.
Director: Guy Ritchie 
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Rachel McAdams.

It may take a mastermind to orchestrate a diabolical plot, but it only takes one man to outsmart him. Robert Downey, Jr. returns as Sherlock Holmes, the maniacally brilliant detective with an aptitude for trouble. When we last left Holmes, he merely started to unravel a thread to a much larger scheme puppeteered by his eventual archnemesis, Professor Moriarty. Now, the battle of wits begins as it's winner takes all in "A Game of Shadows." Coming off the success of the first film, Guy Ritchie continues to inject new life into the enduring literary character. Whereas its predecessor focused on the highly intricate game of cat and mouse, the sequel is imbued with fast-paced action and a hefty dose of explosions. Slow-motion sequences interlaced with close-up shots make it a visionary experience that characterizes the series thus far. RDJ and Law are a match made in bromance heaven, as their banter and partnership are what keep the story moving forward without risk for boredom. Likewise, Jared Harris plays the notorious adversary well, and keeps his composure while doing so, as he's both mysterious and calculative. The only weak link appears to be newcomer Noomi Rapace, who ingeniously played Lisbeth Salander in the original "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," but here, gives off a lukewarm performance. The blame, however, may lay with the writers who allocate more time for the action star Holmes, rather than the intellectual one. The story, while engaging, is complicated with so many elements that it takes much effort to comprehend and deduce than before. But there's no doubt that the sequel is a rollicking good time, and there's plenty of cases left to explore. Holmes will see to that.

Rating: 3½ stars