Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Review

As a sequel to the first movie, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows did a fantastic job and brought its own elements to the table. So the story goes a little something like this; Holmes is still investigating Professor Moriarty who was introduced in the previous film. These who brilliant men clash against one another, and its truly a game between them, but its not going to be pretty. We also see familiar faces as Watson is getting married to Mary, and Irene Alder (although a Cameo) is still working for Moriarty.

As ever, Sherlock Holmes still holds its witty humor, and is what makes the movie a great one to see. Most of it comes from Holmes himself and Watson's reaction. The best moment is when they need to ride horseback somewhere, and Holmes has a dislike of horses. So what will they do? Give him a pony of course! Usually scene with long horse rides are meant to give an epic feel, but this is just too funny as Holmes with his pony rides along the landscape and says a line like, "slow and steady wins the race". But thats just one moment, there are plenty more to make you laugh.

Guy Ritchie, in this film, brought the action up, thus more fights and explosions. Beginning the movie with hand to hand combat quickly reminded us that Sherlock Holmes was a force to reckon with. The big battle scene the movie was quite extraordinary and seems unsurvivable, but they survive (except some unfortunate Gypsies). Some moments had me on edge wondering what will happen next.

Another good element this movie had was the relationship between Watson and Holmes. They are great friends and they genuinely care for each other. There is one scene in the movie where it highlights this beautifully (but your going to have to watch the movie for the scene). You have to wonder how Watson puts up with Sherlock, but I guess for knowing Holmes this long he knows how to deal with it. As for other characters, the story allows each one to have her or his own part to plan in this game of shadows.

I guess if you know the novels of Sherlock, you won't like it (so I hear from the reviews), but I think people can find something to like in it. There isn't really any negatives about this movie. Its either you like it or you don't. To say something though, the story sticks out in places, but it ties up in places. Although, I have to say I'm sad to see the fate of one character. This movie was definitively worth waiting for, and I may go again.