Film: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

I may as well start this review with a confession, I’m not a big Sherlock Holmes fan. I’ve read one book out of the many made and wasn’t impressed enough to go back for more. I also didn’t think much of the first film in this series; finding it a bit slow, wet and occasionally over the top. So when I say I loved this film that doesn’t necessarily mean it was an accurate adaption of the books (I honestly have no clue). It is however the best film I’ve seen this year - which admittedly is not saying much seeing as we’re only 17 days into it.  

  Robert Downey Jr. is my favourite portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, equal parts brain and brawn. A man who uses his brains to calculate his opponents every move before throwing a punch, giving the action a fairly unique look. Downey Jr. also plays the more insane aspects of Sherlock just right to great effect. This film introduces Moriarty (played wonderfully by Jared Harris who you may recognise from Mad Men), who if I understand correctly is Sherlock’s arch nemesis, with its focus being the game of wits between the two. He’s Sherlock’s intellectual equal, just as calculating and strong but with his dark side pushed over the edge. Some of the film’s best moments come from their games and the ways in which Holmes is able to prevail. Jude Law plays the role of Watson well being Sherlock’s loyal friend and the straight man to his wackiness. I’m usually not a big fan of Law but I rather enjoy him in these films, with his less annoying aspects toned down and his accent actually sounding appropriate for the time period. 

  The surprising addition of Stephen Fry as Holmes’s brother was a brilliant idea. Despite not resembling Robert Downey Jr. it’s easier to believe Fry as his brother, with him also being highly intelligent. Fry also provides one of the funniest scenes of the film which I won’t spoil for anyone who’s yet to see it. Noomi Rapace is rather good in her small role assisting the duo a few times throughout the film.

  Guy Richie’s direction has notably improved since the first film. Where there it was often hard to tell what was going on during action scenes, the increased use of slow motion allows you to get the full effect. In fact the film as a whole feels much more coherent.

  My only real flaw with the film is that at times it can become a bit too caught up in the brilliance of Holmes constantly rewinding to show how he solved things. This was a problem with the first film too but here it is thankfully used to a slightly lessened extent. There are still times however, particularly during the train scene, where I just wished the film would stop rewinding and play forward. 

  Overall I found the film enjoyable, full of action and comedy, with it definitely being worth seeing.