Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Review

In 2009 Conan Doyle’s classic Victorian detective was updated for modern audiences. Proving to be a large success, Robert Downey Jr returns to the role of Sherlock Holmes in its sequel, ‘’A Game of Shadows’’

Loosely based on the Conan Doyle novel, ‘’The Final Problem’’ The plot follows on from the first with the titular detective and his sidekick Doctor Watson tracking down the mysterious Professor Moriarty whom Rachel Mcadam’s character, Irene Adler was working for in the first instalment and prevent the outbreak of a great war. The sequel adopts a global approach, moving from London, France, Germany and finally Switzerland. Moriarty makes a worthy adversary for Holmes, both men are equally intelligent in their own rights which constantly keeps you guessing as to who will come out on top. The story offers a few major twists and turns with every key moment being fully explained for the audience to understand. Once again Downey JR thoroughly delivers a convincing take on the famous detective with some well-done monologues that continue to immerse you in Holmes’s complex mind. Jude Law is equally engaging as Doctor Watson with his new wife (played by Kelly Reilly) adding extra emotional depth to his character. Stephen Fry as Holmes’s brother also contributes a significant deal to the series as well as the majority of comic relief. The only disappointment in an otherwise thrilling story is the female characters. Mcadams performance is far too brief, only lasting a quarter of the film and her replacement, a French gypsy played by Noomi Rapace, comes off as one dimensional and little information is given to introduce or conclude her character’s story arc effectively.   

Just like the original, the music, costuming, settings and dialogue are all incredibly authentic to the Victorian period. The humour has been toned down slightly in favour of more great looking action sequences. After a particularly nasty looking scene where Holmes gets hung by his shoulder on a hook, this gives way to a tense and destructive chase through the forests of Germany. The much publicised scene includes intense mortar and rifle fire paired with extended slow motion to create one of the best action sequences of the year. Truly you’ll be in awe of the movie’s more gritty tone at this point and this is followed towards the end of the flick by a shocker of a cliff hanger that serves as a brilliant tribute to the novel it is based on. The fight scenes though still fun to watch have been replaced with more edge of your seat moments that certainly appeal to a wider audience and the series has become better because of it.

Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant sequel, upping the ante from the original as well as conveying a much more unpredictable story. It’s well worth paying full price for what is sure to be a sell-out success this Christmas

Rating: 4/5 Stars