Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Movie Review by Keith Kelly

http://www.innovativecommunications.tv Robert Downey Jr. is back again as Sherlock Holmes, and this time he's up against his most fiendish challenger, Professor Moriarty. I'm Keith Kelly, and my review is coming up right now.

Guy Ritchie is again directing the world's most famous sleuth-first brought to life in Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, and then on stage and on screen. Just incase you haven't seen Ritchie's first film-this is not your grandfather's consulting detective. In this rendition, the emphasis is first on action, and second on the analytical observations.

Like most sequels, just about everything is amped up. More fine-tuned is the relationship between Holmes and Watson-played again by Jude Law. They bicker, fight, insult and support each other with great vigor-in ways only best friends and partners can do. They are one of the best on-screen duos since Redford and Newman, and by themselves make the flick worth watching.

Jared Harris is impeccable as Professor Moriarty-an intellectual equal of Holmes who uses his powers of genius for evil instead of good. Some of the best scenes in "A Game of Shadows" involve the mental duels between Downey and Harris, which are played with just the right level of one-upmanship. There are also three women roles, but they are mostly involved to forward the plot, and don't add much to the story.

The film involves Holmes trying to get to the bottom of the world-changing scheme that Moriarty is putting into place. The plot is a bit more coherent and straight- ahead than in the first film, but still has a bit too much nonessential filler, and not enough mystery. It' s also way too "elementary" for a Sherlock Holmes tale. Sorry-couldn't resist.

In between the detective work is lots-and I mean LOTS of action-fist fights, machine gun and canon battles and more. The clashes are shot with director Ritchie's signature style, and are a thrill to watch. Once again we are treated to an inside look at the way Sherlock intellectually breaks down a battle.

I know this amped up version is an affront to those who enjoy the much more cerebral original books. I've read all the stories, and have seen many of the screen adaptations. My all-time favorite Holmes is still Jeremy Brett from the BBC series-in my mind he was the closest in spirit, looks and brilliance. Still, the combination of Robert Downey and Jude Law, gorgeous sets and costumes, and impressive visual flair, make it a fun romp at the theatre.

I give "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" the grade of "B". I'm Keith Kelly.

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Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• assassination
• Holmes in drag
• naked Mycroft
• chess
• private detective
• battle of wits
• marksman
• Noomi Rapace
• Stephen fry
• mary Watson
• inspector lestrade
• 1890's London
• Reichenbach Falls
• Irene adler
• friendship
• murder
• poison
• fortune teller
• oxygen mask
• gypsy
• clue
• stabbed in the shoulder
• arms race

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The marksman was Colonel Sebastian Moran, who was the villain of the Sherlock Holmes short story written by Arthur Conan Doyle "The Adventure of the Empty House", whom Holmes characterized as the second most dangerous dude in London-second to-guess who? Well, our Professor Moriarty, played wonderfully by J Harris (who is the son of Harry Potter's first Professor Dumbledore-Richard Harris).

[cfwbdude]

Totally agree with you Sir, the late Jeremy Brett lived breathed Sherlock character "salute"

I am In a pickle as to who the marksman was In the film?

I have seen the film at my local Showcase deluxe which I totally enjoyed, a nice refreshing change take on our beloved Sherlock whom dons the classic hunting hat. The chess game and the finale pre meditated fisticuffs, notebook switch are my finest scenes. J Harris played a superb villian.