Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

I cannot tell a lie. I was not the biggest fan of the original Sherlock Holmes. I thought it was an entertaining diversion for an afternoon, but it was quickly forgotten in my head, not to mention, that year I enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. far more in Iron Man. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, despite the unnecessarily long name and pretty stupid title, continues the story of the first in a different, yet still slightly connected story arc. To be quite honest, as of the time I am writing this, I really dont remember much about the story at all except for the fact that Sherlock Holmes goes up against a Professor named Moriarty, who is apparently just as brilliant, if not more so, than Holmes himself. The fact that I cant remember the plot is not necessarily anything against the movie, but clearly, if I cant remember it, it must not have been that interesting...Ah! Now I remember. Something about bombs and political assassinations and the lot. As I said...pretty typical stuff.


However, I do remember that the plot flowed well and at times where you felt that our heroes were at a dead end, Holmes is able to piece together clues that only his genius intellect can sense/see and move on to the next move. These "investigation" scenes, and a few others throughout the movie, made me feel kind of slow, as if I was one step behind Holmes himself. And that is what I love about these movies is that they are able to make the audience feel as if they are, indeed, not at all near this man's intelligence. 

Some terrible Tebow impersonations...

The movie moves slow in its first half. Sure some events happen and some stuff gets blown up, but at this point, I just dont really care. There is just a sense of seriousness and urgency that these movies lack to make me take them serious as an action movie. And then there is the comedy. I dont know why, but in my personal opinion, I just do not find these movies as funny as some other people. I am definitely amused by some of the antics of Holmes and Watson, but for the most part, I am not laughing out loud at what happens. There were a few times I let out a chuckle in A Game of Shadows, but most of the time my entertainment was contained to a smile.

A funny scene for sure, but I honestly did not laugh that hard at it

What Sherlock Holmes does get right however, is its action and its last 30 minutes. The action is usually split into two categories I would like to think. Category 1 is the normal, somewhat stale punch fest that has an explosion or two. Category 2 is what I would like to call "Holmes Vision". Where the camera slows WAY down and Holmes describes what his plan is along with pros and cons, the results and consequences, and possibilities for rebuttal. Game of Shadows strikes a great balance between these two things, and when the film enters "Holmes Vision", it cant be beat. Every moment of this super slow-mo action is awe-inducing and the explanations that go along again make you feel like you are truly watching a genius. A runaway scene in the forest is particularly awesome. 

"Holmes...you are such a creep"

So am I a little grumpy towards Sherlock Holmes movies? Maybe you could say that. Personally, I find them very entertaining for an afternoon, but not much more than that. They are neither hilarious nor extremely awesome in their action (outside of "Holmes Vision"). So what you are left with is a movie that has its shining moments, but also has its forgettable parts. 


If you want my opinion then here it is: if you are only going to see one action movie this Christmas, go see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol  instead. 


And that is elementary my dear friends.


Pros:

• Downey Jr. and Law have really good chemistry in the sort of love-hate relationship they have
• The feeling of being "behind" Holmes as far as clues and story is compelling and adds an interesting dynamic to the film
• Some funny moments. Holmes' disguises come to mind immediately
• Surprisingly dark in areas which is what this series needs if it wants to be taken more seriously
• Captured the era really well with costumes, music, language, etc.
• The action is incredible in parts. "Holmes Vision" is quite honestly, groundbreaking. I wouldn't be surprised to see more action films go the route of super slow-mo and prolonging action sequences
• The last 45-30 minutes deserves a 8.5/10

Cons:

• Just not as funny as it thinks it is
• Sometimes the movie leaves you too far in the dust
• I liked the ending, but I also wished they would have had the balls to do something memorable. Once you see the film, you will understand
• The first hour and a half would get about a 6.5/10. It's much like the first one: forgettable

Rath's Review Score: 7.5/10