Review of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) by Trey M — 25 Jan 2013

It's hard for me to determine whether or not this sequel is better than the original '09 film. On one hand, yes it is. On the other, no it's not. I know it doesn't make sense, but in my head it does. Let me explain. But first things first.

Once again, Robert Downey Jr. is the absolute man as the titular character. If you knew nothing of him, you'd think he was naturally British. At least I would. The chemistry he creates with Jude Law is just pure fun to watch. And just like in 'Sherlock Holmes', he does it again with 'Game of Shadows'. He is just as much fun to watch. Without him, these would be completely different movies.

What I loved most about this movie is its action. Theres a LOT more in this movie than the first. And it was very entertaining to watch. The sequences are very well put together and very eventful. The scene where they are escaping the German weapons factory is by far the most exciting part to watch in my opinion. And that's the better part of this movie: the action. The action is better than the first.

And now to what made the second not as good as the first: originality. Every trick and twist turn we took in this movie was, not so expected, but assumed. Yes, there were a lot of clever twists that you didn't see coming. But in order for Sherlock to win, we will assume somewhere we are missing.. And sure enough! Sherlock Holmes had everything under control the whole time. Relying off what made the first so good is what weakens this one.

Don't get me wrong, I love this movie. Very entertaining and one of my favorites of 2011. But hopefully in the third, Guy Ritchie will bring something to the table with Holmes that will really get crowds riled up. As for 'Game of Shadows'? I'll give it a tie with the original.