Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows (2011)
Violence
| Director: | Guy Ritchie |
| Actors: | Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Kelly Reilly, Eddie Marsan, Rachel McAdams, Geraldine James |
Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 120mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Still crazy
by Simon Miraudo, 3/01/2012 9:27:00 AM
You didn't have to be a master detective to deduce the fact that a sequel to the surprisingly good Sherlock Holmes would be speedily produced following its box office success in 2009. The return of director Guy Ritchie as well as stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law was in the cards... as was the inevitable diminishing returns, both in regards to the follow-up's quality and its grosses. That's just how the world works. However, Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows does have one trick up its sleeve that makes it a worthy companion to its predecessor: the upgrading of the homo-erotic subtext to clear-as-day text. There seems to be no effort made to obscure Sherlock and Dr. Watson's full-blown love for one another; not even Watson's marriage to another woman can dim their adoration. Downey Jr...
You didn't have to be a master detective to deduce the fact that a sequel to the surprisingly good Sherlock Holmes would be speedily produced following its box office success in 2009. The return of director Guy Ritchie as well as stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law was in the cards... as was the inevitable diminishing returns, both in regards to the follow-up's quality and its grosses. That's just how the world works.
However, Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows does have one trick up its sleeve that makes it a worthy companion to its predecessor: the upgrading of the homo-erotic subtext to clear-as-day text. There seems to be no effort made to obscure Sherlock and Dr. Watson's full-blown love for one another; not even Watson's marriage to another woman can dim their adoration. Downey Jr. and Law's effervescent, irascible charm (and - let's face it - their sexual chemistry) keeps the picture entertaining whenever Kieran and Michele Mulroney's clumsy screenplay fails.
Shadows begins with the petulant and perpetually-at-work Holmes chasing after his former fling Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). She's delivering a message from the notorious Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris, right at home despite being far from the offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) to a famed surgeon. Of course, by 'message', we mean 'bomb'. 'Message' always means 'bomb' in these movies. On the eve of his wedding to no-nonsense Mary (Kelly Reilly), the good doctor Watson is snagged in Sherlock's investigative web. The two of them struggle to outwit math genius Moriarty, who is single-handedly plotting the first World War in the hopes of profiteering from it. Timely!
There are a couple of fresh inclusions to the saga besides Harris that, while welcome, don't ultimately add much. They include Stephen Fry as Holmes' brother Mycroft and Noomi Rapace as French gypsy Sim. Rapace's character has almost no bearing on the story, or in the machinations of the plot. She seems to exist merely to eat voraciously (a peculiar character trait that may not have been an intentional inclusion, but we see it enough to wonder if Rapace just really enjoyed the craft service team's work). Guy Ritchie's fast-forward-press-pause style of action choreography begins to grate after a while, though there is one nice chase sequence through the German woods. However, in the shadow of the far superior BBC program Sherlock, this new film just isn't much cop. Which just goes to show how Downey Jr. and Law's romance can elevate the material into something perfectly enjoyable. That's true love.
3/5
Read More
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (57)
57 Member
Reviews
ros
says
enjoyed it
Cathie
says
Took 3 attempts to get through it...kept falling asleep! Awful, disjointed, boring, pointless. Pity really...enjoyed the first one, but this suffers from "trying too hard!
Jumbuck
says
We have a [pleasant] surfeit of Holmesian adventures right now what with Benedict Cumberbatch and [now] Jonny Lee Miller [both on TV]. I just wonder if Basil Rathbone didn't cap them all!
Pam McNabb
says
this film was full of fun action Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr are fantastic together I hope they make some more.
Trev
says
Didn't like, had seen on TV and didn't like it then either.
Pfurball
says
This had such an effect on me I can't even remember what it was about. Boring!!
Rocky
says
Great film with attention to detail. The two stars seem to play off each other that made it natural.
movielover2012
says
just average. watch it if you are really bored. it might put you to sleep. disappointed.
peppaspetals
says
Loved the first one, this one is ok.
kjn2010
says
Enjoyed the first one and enjoyed this one as well.
stuart
says
was more about the special effects than the story. Not as good as the first one
darthdorian
says
Great movie. The first one was good, this one is better. Watch the special features if you like it as well.
says
This film is a victory of style over substance. A wafer thin story line loosely connects two hours' worth of action sequences and special effects while R D Jnr, as the quirky Mr. Holmes, is more plonker than enigma.
Purplesue
says
Enjoyed the first one a litte more, but this one was still a good follow up. Really loved all the slow motion shots laced throughout. Not as witty as the first maybe, but still enjoyable. Just love Robert Downey Jr, he's the best!
Ron
says
Robert Downey Jr is no Benedict Cumberbatch. Just a tacky & violent American attempt at something that is not only British but should stay British. And I'm not even British!
D.M.
says
Fabulous film, very elaborately plotted like the first. Some of the best cinematography and special effects I've seen so amazingly put together in more recent years. Also, I really liked Noomi Rapace in the role of the gypsy. This movie escapism is top entertainment.
says
Loved this movie. Love Robert Downey Jnr
Johno
says
I was eagerly waiting for this one and it didn't disappoint as Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are brilliant , now if only they'll make a third installment.
says
Absolutely awful. I like Robert Downy Jr. as Tony Stark, he plays the part well, but he is not cut out to play Sherlock Holmes. But even worse than his portrait of Holms, is the script, or lack of.
Noel
says
I have to confess that I have never really been a fan of Sherlock Holmes, but thought as this was on at the movies, it may have been OK. How wrong can you be, very confusing, very thin storyline, far too drawn out, no depth in the characters, no chemistry between actors, in fact a total waste of time.
Anita L
says
Not really familiar with the characters or storylines... Only watched it for Noomi Rapace. Loved her in "Dragon Tattoo:.
alistair c
says
Felt let down after enjoying the first one. Far too slow with just visuals happening, then far too much long drawn out monologue. They loose their effect after a while and just become boring. Gypsies totally unconvincing as was Moriarty. It seems that once was interesting but twice was boring with this franchise.
Otto
says
Great movie. Robert Downey Jr is brilliant in the role. Better than the first one.
Cheryl
says
Great movie, hope they make another.
Laetitia
says
Great movie, enjoyed it tremendously. Good action. Robert Downey Jr is a brilliant actor.
PGW
says
Loved the movie - great cast and well scripted. Fun to watch
Chez
says
I've not yet seen the first movie so this was the first time I have seen Robert Downey Jr. in the role and WOW -- the costumers and makeup artists are to be congratulated on their efforts in the film. Huge kudos to the cinematographers whose blend of effects make the film all the more exciting! The soundtrack too does it's job and assists in making your heart race! I am now looking forward to seeing the first movie. LOVED the ending!
Pap
says
I'm soooo confused
Belinda
says
Ho hum...all that stop motion BS with bullets and fight plans...convoluted and silly....not really for adults...more a teenage boy thing (in my opinion) I did like the urban camoufflage though!
Marg
says
Still a good movie but struggled to get into this one like I did the first. Enjoyable but not as much chemistry or laughs.
Marg f
says
Not as good as the first one , I don't like all the silly action stuff.
Guy
says
Longer than it needed to be. Over-directed. No chemistry between Holmes and Watson. Moriati lacked motive. Ideas from the first movie over done in this one. Ending unclear. Stephen Fry took his clothes off...
stanarosa
says
Did not enjoy as much as the first one. Still a good watch.
Tmprsns
says
So much better than the first movie - richer, more eccentric, more suspense, smarter. Pay attention though ! It's a Sherlock Holmes movie after all. Guy Ritchie, Jude Law and above all Robert Downey Jr were born to do this.
Ann E.
says
Great movie and I enjoyed it nearly as much as the first and that was excellent. Still hard to follow the conversations at times as Robert Downey Jr speakes so fast but I still managed to follow the plot.
veee79
says
was awesome! waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than the first! i really enjoyed this one
Matthew B.
says
Not as good as the first. Lacks clarity in plot. Too many fight scenes, which the director seems obsessed with. Very well filmed. Great effects.
Nick
says
An entertaining film with good acting again by the principals but also instantly forgotten like the first one, popcorn fun only.
tMax
says
I found this movie to be very entertaining with great acting, just a pleasure all up!
Mike
says
Bad plot with little resemblance to anything written by Conan Doyle. CGI-intensive drivel suitable for 12 year olds
Greg S
says
Not as good as the previous one but still great entertainment.
jtbug
says
Disappointing after having loved the first one. This is a bit all over the shop, and Noomi Rapace is a charmless, poor substitue for the lovely Rachel McAdams in the role of femme fatale. The witty rapport between Holmes and Watson is present but Downey Jr goes a bit overboard this time, verging dangerously a caricature that Jim Carrey would be proud of. Also lacks a decent villain, and tries to make up for it by having our heroes globetrot so much you'll lose track of where the hell they are.
Jody
says
Love Robert Downey in these movies.
Elisabeth
says
Great movie. Love the dog.
David Rochow
says
Just as good, if not better, then the first one
Peter
says
Better that the first effort. The characters are starting to gel. Looking forward to the next one.
Le goret
says
I agree with Steve below. Horrible movie. Beyond stupid. We stopped watching after 45 minutes. What a waste of talent and money.
andrea
says
great movie,love Robert Downey Jnr
John
says
not as good as the first one but still good
garrett
says
very good movie. I always like Robert Downey jnr. Bit slow to start, but gets into the action
Kim
says
Slow to start but a story with lots of twists and turns and well worth watching.
Steve
says
A lazy, boorish attempt at film making, I found this movie almost unwatchable. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes since my childhood, Ritchie's crass 'Hollywood-isation' of the character showed contempt for the intellectual rigour of the character and a disdainful disinterest in any attempt to capture a genuine portrait of the era. London in the 19th century has been reduced to merely a trite American theme park of Yankee accents and flagrant sexual innuendo. Utter rubbish.
Lyn
says
Not nearly as much fun as the previous one. Despite all the action I was bored for the last half.
Margit
says
Great movie, action,witty and explosive worth the watch, loved it.
Johnson
says
I'm not sure I agree with the two reviewers below me -- this one felt a bit disjointed and not nearly as clever as the first. It could be I'm just overawed by Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock on TV, but Downey's Sherlock just seems a little... dumb? If you haven't seen the TV series, definitely grab that instead of this movie. Otherwise, enjoy the explosions...
Sil
says
Terrific, I would say it is even better than the first one.
Lea
says
Excellent movie equally as good as the first one.