The dynamic case-solving duo of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have returned to the silver screens across the world, in the second installment of director Guy Ritchie’s adaptations of the famous book series, dually titled Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
Though the film was released with a myriad of other films on the weekend of December 16, it is still remains to be a successful film. All previous cast members have returned, and many brilliant actors have graced the film with their talents for new roles as well as Guy Ritchie and his faithful production team who brought us the first installment back in December of 2009.
Holmes seems to have met his match in this film through the maniacal and ingenious mind of Professor James Moriarty, who is portrayed with cunning wit and rigor by actor Jared Harris.
Fans of the series will recognize Moriarty as Holmes’ greatest villain in the entire series. Harris’ calm and diabolic performance is a brilliant match against actor Robert Downey Jr.s’ humorous and incredibly witty depiction of Holmes.
It is truly a treat to watch these two actors duke it out in the film, being armed with their undeniable talent and strong intelligence.
Jude Law reprises his role as Holmes’ rational and staunch sidekick, Doctor John Watson. The impending doom of Watson’s marriage to governess Mary Morstan, portrayed by actress Kelly Riley, has finally come about.
Holmes must come to terms with the loss of his case-solving partner, placing Watson and Holmes in various humorous and endearing scenes through out the movie; only highlighting the incredible chemistry that Law and Downey share on screen.
As fate would have it, however, this team cannot be separated yet as Moriarty’s scheming involves the doctor and his new wife, thrusting Watson back into his role with Holmes.
The film also includes the outstanding humor and talent of Stephen Fry, as Holmes’ elder brother Mycroft. Fry does not disappoint, providing excellent comic relief and a superb example of genius in the most eccentric way in the film.
Actress Noomi Rapace plays the quick, knife-wielding gypsy and freedom fighter, Madame Simza, who is aiding Holmes’ in attempting to find her brother, a main key used in Moriarty’s game.
Rapace’s soft-spoken dialogue aids her in adding depth to her character, along with her brilliantly choreographed fight scenes.
The mental gymnastics of Holmes’ analytical mind return in this film, along with some popcorn throwing action. Though the use of slow motion cameras is slightly over done in this film, it does prove to add more excitement in to the film.
Ringing true is a scene where Holmes’ and co. are forced to run for their lives through a German forest, while Moriarty has his men fire all their explosives at them. The use of the slow motion cameras in this scene provided a new perspective and leaves the viewer feeling in awe.
Composer Hanz Zimmer returned for the score and it is as quirky and unusual as the previous score, yet it fits perfectly with Holmes’ quirky and unusual mind and methods.
The film is a bit on the lengthy side, yet every scene and moment is key in getting to the incredible twist ending that will leave the viewer with an overwhelming amount of questions that are sure to be answered in a third installment.
The cinematography and detail put in to the film is well done and each performance given by the actors and actresses is captivating. Ritchie has done it again, giving us a bundle of laughs and an incredible dose of suspense and action in this film.