Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Movie Review: "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"


Elementary.

An uneven but nonetheless diverting romp, the sequel to 2009's "Sherlock Holmes" depends more than ever on the snappy friendship between Holmes and Watson.  The villain this time around is none other than Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), and 2009's Rachel McAdams appears only to be effaced by a much feistier Noomi Rapace (from the Swedish "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo").  Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) is as frustrating and brilliant as ever as the manic detective, and Watson (Jude Law) is engaging as Holmes' exasperated but loyal friend.  (With friends like Holmes, who needs enemies?)  Jared Harris gives us an interesting take on the evil genius that is Moriarty, and even though I personally thought his role could have been richer, it is still worlds better than the bland villain from the first film.  In terms of supporting cast, Kelly Reilly gives a nice turn as Mary Watson, Geraldine James is a flustered Mrs. Hudson, and the British institution known as Stephen Fry graces the screen as Mycroft Holmes ... and let's just say that it's Stephen Fry as I'd never seen him before.

The plot is a bit better than the one in the first flick as Moriarty pursues a wicked and complicated scheme, though the Cine-Sib thinks that this movie has a few too many sight gags that add up to too much silliness.  I actually didn't mind so much, but YMMV.  One more comment, though: Jude Law as Watson is an energetic figure and a beautiful creature.  I'm now pretty sure that I only like Jude Law as Dr. Watson.

Mad Minerva gives this film a B. 

"Rotten Tomatoes" gives "Sherlock Holmes" a rating of 59%.

The official website is here.

"Sherlock Holmes" runs for 129 minutes and is rated PG-13 for violence and action sequences.

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