Film: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jude Law (Enemy at the Gates), Noomi Rapace (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris), Jared Harris (Mad Men), Stephen Fry (Jeeves and Wooster), Geraldine James (Alice in Wonderland), Kelly Reilly (Pride & Prejudice), Eddie Marsan (V for Vendetta)
Director: Guy Richie (Snatch)
Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime (2011)
“The year is 1891, and there are storm clouds brewing over Europe,” writes Watson. While newspapers give the official version of events, “My friend Sherlock Holmes, as usual, has a different theory all together.” When Holmes, disguised as a beggar, makes a clandestine package swap, he’s surprised to find the messenger is none other than his old friend Irene. Obviously Irene has been lured into working for Holmes’s arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty… the Napoleon of Crime… and Holmes needs to warn her. But it turns out that Moriarty is one step ahead, as usual.
We don’t see Watson until he comes to Holmes’s Baker Street flat, checking up on his best man before tomorrow’s wedding. “Oh how I’ve missed you Holmes.” “Have you? I’ve barely noticed your absence.” Since Watson got engaged and moved out, Holmes has existed on a diet of coffee, tobacco and coca leaves. “You do seem… manic… verging on psychotic.” Just like old times, Holmes ensnares Watson in one last adventure… the “super most important case of my career.” There’s a web of clues with Moriarty at the center. At Watson’s stag party we meet Sherlock’s brother Mycroft… “the other Holmes.” “No one quite knows what he does, but they say he’s invaluable,” Sherlock explains. Mycroft appears impressed with Watson… “He’s not as slow witted as you’ve been leading me to believe.” The last key character in this story is the gypsy fortuneteller, Madam Simza, and we meet her at the stag party. Instead of reading Holmes’s cards, Holmes reads hers. Her brother Rene has gotten himself in the middle of an evil plot to create a crisis in Europe. It’s Moriarty who’s at the center of this diabolical game. And it’s Holmes who has to prevent “the collapse of western civilization.”
You either love or hate Guy Richie films. If you enjoyed the first Guy Richie Sherlock Holmes, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. (If you didn’t… skip it.) Like the first, it’s frenetic and packed with explosive visual effects. The story is possibly a bit better than the first, in that it feels more like a traditional Sherlock Holmes story… on steroids. In keeping with tradition, the story comes full circle with most plot details being cleverly wrapped up by the end. Unlike many action movies, the script… packed rapid-fire witty dialog… is actually quite well written. Sherlock Holmes is a perfect vehicle for Guy Richie’s irreverent sensitivities because Holmes always had an irreverent side. But don’t look for the cerebral Holmes in this film. That said… this Holmes is still a genius… he just processes a lot faster… a lot faster. “What do you see?” “Everything! That is my curse.”
4 popped kernels
An irreverent, frenetic, action-packed adventure with a smart, smart-ass scrip
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PG-13
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Pure adrenalin rush
Visual Style: Computer effects
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Irreverent
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
