Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
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Question: How often does a sequel come out as good as or better than the first? It’s rare, I know, but Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows might have just done it.
I really enjoyed Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009), so much so that I have probably seen it a half a dozen times. Sure, it may have been for Robert Downey Jr., but he’s worth it, right? And that is probably why I saw the sequel. However, it wasn’t just Robert Downey Jr. and his portrayal as the world’s most famous “consulting detective” that brought me to the theatre this time. It was one of the first movies in a long time, it seems, that wasn’t offered in 3D. Finally. It might have helped that A Game of Shadows was in D-BOX though. This was only my second movie viewing in the motion activated seats, and it won’t be my last. Anyway…
One thing that a lot of film-makers do when writing and making a follow-up to a blockbuster: adding in way too much of what worked the first time. It’s usually the jokes, special effects, or quirky aspects, which are used sparingly, that help make the original a treat and leave us wanting more; but sequels usually get saturated with these details. It happens ALL THE TIME and it, in my opinion, ruins the sequel. Well, not this time.
A Game of Shadows appears to start off relatively soon after where the previous story ended; and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. In fact, I thought it might be trying too hard by what I first witnessed. To be honest there was one aspect of the first film where I thought it was a bit on the hokey side, and I feared it was going down that path again or where the film-makers thought they had grabbed that elusive brass ring. Luckily, the story took a turn or did something I wasn’t expecting at all. It was a shock, actually. Although I kept thinking that, “No, they didn’t just do that”, and that lingered in my head throughout the rest of the movie until I fully believed it. Nice one! I relaxed – well, as best I could in the ever-moving seats.
I would love to go into detail about the story but if I did, I would just ruin it. Even though Sherlock Holmes is probably the only one who can receive this little amount of information and have the ending all figured out before he takes his next breath, I am stopping here anyway. But rest assured this story is worth seeing. It’s more complex and ominous than the first; and I believe it might be best seen on the large screen. The very slow-motion scenes that occurred in Sherlock Holmes (2009) showed up here. No, I am not going to complain about that because I really enjoyed this specific effect. Plus, it was used just enough. And without a doubt, one slow-motion scene that takes place in a forest made the price of the ticket worth it – D-BOX or not.
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson, once again, made a great pairing in the sequel, and I can’t wait to see them in another one. (Fingers crossed) Watching those two actors play off each other was almost like watching Fred and Ginger dance. I particularly enjoyed the banter back and forth between the two men. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was even a little improv in their dialogue. A Game of Shadows shows a greater friendship, collaboration and balancing act that kept this film from being not just another action/adventure sequel.
If you didn’t see Sherlock Holmes (2009), it’s no big deal (although I recommend seeing it, just the same). There is only one aspect from the first, a specific character: Professor Moriarity, who was mentioned but how they started the story in A Game of Shadows catches you up quickly. In addition, there are new characters introduced here – played by Noomi Rapace (From the Swedish version of the Stieg Larsson’s trilogy) and Stephen Fry, who I hope is in the next one more, albeit more fully clothed. Yep, that’s all I am going to say about that piece.
My favorite thing: Robert Downey Jr. – of course.
My least favorite: That the seats didn’t move more. D-BOX helps you delve deeper into the story that you almost want it moving the entire time, no matter what’s going on in the film. So. Much. Fun.
Directed by Guy Ritchie, Warner Bros, 2011.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Fry, Jared Harris, Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
Rating: PG-13
Length: 129 minutes
Review: 8 out of 10
Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,
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Tags: A Game of Shadows, D-BOX, Dr. Watson, Jr. Jude Law, London, movie review, movies, Robert Downey, sequels, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Tired of Previews
My boyfriend went to go see this with his brother, and he loved it. He said he enjoyed it more than first one which, as you noted, is rare. Once I get Netflix (yes, I’m going to take the plunge!) I’m putting this on my list. I think the pairing of Downey and Law is genius!
But seriously, why is Robert Downey Jr. such a little dreamboat?
Yay for Netflix -- you are gonna love it
Not sure I can answer that one about RDJ, but he is an amazing actor that gets cuter every year 
My brother said I just have to see it. He couldn’t understand why the initial reaction to the release was so luke warm. Plus I loved the chemistry between Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law in the first film. I’m glad to hear it’s still there.
Looks like I’m off to the movies!
Janene -- yes, the chemistry is still there between the two. In fact, I believe A Game of Shadows showed a greater relationship between the actors. They must have had so much fun making this one. And there are rumors that there is a third in the works. Enjoy the movie!
Katy, I was debating whether or not to see this, but you are so right. Any pairing of Robert Downey Jr. and the fabulous Jude Law should be worth the price of admission. Lately, though, I have been holding out for your reviews. You have saved me some money and encouraged me to spend some on films that were well worth it.
aww thanks Cher. It is so nice of you to say you wait for my opinion. I hope I haven’t disappointed you on any of them. Enjoy A Game of Shadows.
I wanna see this one! Especially if it’s better than the first one. And I agree with Jen, Robert Downey Jr. is a dreamboat
Such a funny expression ‘dreamboat’ haha.
TJ -- it’s so much fun. I hope you enjoy the film. And, yes, it is a funny expression. haha
I will be viewing this at some point as the first one was just a total blast of entertainment. I’ve only like Lock Stock by Guy Ritchie the rest of his films have kind of passed me by but he’s done well with the first Holmes film and judging by your review the second one sounds just as good. A MUST see.
Well, I have seen a few of Guy Ritichie’s movies and ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ is my favorite of his. I enjoyed ‘Snatch’ but not until ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and the sequel have I enjoyed another one of his films. Hope you enjoy A Game of Shadows. Thanks.