Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Story: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, Noomi Rapace
Music: Hans Zimmer
Time: 129 minutes
Bottom-line: Almost as good as the prequel

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprise their roles as detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. John Watson, in the sequel to Guy Ritchie’s 2009 film Sherlock Holmes. Since people have an idea of how Holmes is portrayed, those who hate the first film will certainly hate this one too. I liked the first part, and this film is in some aspects better, and in some aspects worse, than the 2009 film. The story is loosely based on Conan Doyle’s short story The Final Problem.

Downey Jr. as Holmes

Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr.) just prevents a bomb explosion, set by Professor Moriarty (Harris), and thereby also saves the life of Dr. Hoffmanstahl (for whom it was intended). Later, Dr. Watson (Law) arrives at Holmes’ house, where Holmes is investigating a series of murders, all connected to Moriarty. At Watson’s bachelor party, Holmes meets a gypsy woman, Simza (Rapace), whose brother, Rene, has been missing. Soon, Holmes meets Moriarty, who says that he killed Irene Adler, Holmes’ lover. He also threatens to kill Watson and his future wife. Holmes vows to bring down Moriarty. The remainder of the film covers a battle of wits between Holmes and his arch nemesis, Moriarty.

Robert Downey Jr. is irresistible again. He does so well that I am starting to like this new, stylish version of Holmes, more than the one Conan Doyle created. At times he makes Holmes look like a comedian, at times like an awesome detective, and at times like a skilled martial artist. The scene where Holmes saves Watson in the train, and the scene where he plays chess with Moriarty are some of the best scenes, in terms of acting. Jude Law’s acting is as good as the first part. Jared Harris plays a convincing villain, though his acting is not that great. Noomi Rapace, who comes for a comparatively shorter time, has done a poor job.

Law as Dr. Watson, with his wife Mary (Kelly Reilly)

The story is of comparatively lesser quality than the prequel. In Sherlock Holmes, there was a proper story (even if absurd at times), with proper detective work, and a fitting climax, with few scenes of comedy and action. Here, more importance seems to be given to the clashes between Holmes and Moriarty, but the actual story becomes haywire. There are many deviating scenes of humour – which is effective at times and irritating at other times – and action. Holmes deductive powers were credible in the first part, but here, his powers are being overused (like the scene where he finds the secret entrance). So, while few scenes are excellent, the overall story was not that impressive.

Harris as Professor Moriarty

Hans Zimmer’s score is thrilling, and as always, superb. The cinematography and the use of special effects are dazzling, but I felt that the effects were used in excess. The scene where Holmes and company are being chased through the forest, and Moriarty’s men try to shoot them seems thrilling to watch, but I think this scene was copied from the famous ‘lobby scene’ in the film The Matrix (1999). The photography during the train sequence was pretty good too.

But yet, with Downey Jr.’s scintillating performance, sublime music and a visual treat of the battle of wits between Holmes and Moriarty, Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows  makes the most of its plus points, but has few drawbacks as well. The story is of lower quality, but certain scenes are really brilliant. Overall, it is fitting as a sequel, even if not up to the mark as a film by itself.

My Rating: 3.5/5
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 60%