Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows

Once again Sherlock is on the trail of a criminal mastermind, this time who’s aim is to create world war so he can make a fat profit. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as the the fearless duo, and if you’re hoping for another taste of what came in the first movie,well, you won’t be disappointed.

This however is not necessarily a good thing, the first movie was held together by Downey and Law’s fine performances and on-screen camaraderie, without either one of them this first foray would probably have been a flop rather than the huge success that it was.
This second outing has a similar feel, sure the plot is different, but you can’t help feeling you’re simply watching the first movie again. Guy Ritchie’s movies, while nearly always somehow being a hit, have a way about them that is consistent, no matter what the subject, characters or story.

You get the feeling he pulled out a few of the old Lock Stock ideas for this second movie, and while they may have suited that movie, Sherlock Holmes is surely a more refined character.

Seeing Sherlock and Watson getting into fight after fight is not what Sherlock is about, where is the detective work, where is the clever sleuth who saves the day with charm, wit, charisma and intelligence. These aspects are all there of course, but they are buried under a sea of explosions, bullets and fist fights.

Ritchie has missed the mark with this movie, and you start to get the feeling his directing knows only one way to make a movie. If there is a third we can only hope someone else will be given the reins and give us a Sherlock more in keeping with the character most people know and love, rather than a vaguely humorous Bourne inspired fist-fighter who does little to honour the Sherlock name.

None the less the big name movie sequel and top cast will be enough to make it a hit, which is good for Ritchie’s CV at least.

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Jared Harris

Director: Guy Ritchie

Running Time: 129 Minutes