A BLOG DEDICATED TO MY LOVE OF THE SILVER SCREEN
Established May 2010.


Gordie: Do you think I'm weird?
Chris: Definitely.
Gordie: No man, seriously. Am I weird?
Chris: Yeah, but so what? Everybody's weird.
-STAND BY ME

Film Critic for Twin Cities Live

Member of THE LAMB: The Large Association of Movie Blogs LAMB #1588

Follow me on Twitter for updates to my blog and other fun movie news. Find me at @PaulsMovieTrip

Find and "like" me on Facebook at Paul's Trip to the Movies


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris



Sherlock Holmes (Downey) and Dr. Watson (Law) are back for more adventures together as they face off with Professor James Moriarty (Harris). Watson arrives at Holmes' estate to bear the news that he and Mary are getting married. He finds Holmes camouflaged in a jungle of a study and a web of red string intersecting from various points. Holmes is investigating a series of murders and terrorist attacks who he believes all lead back to Moriarty. Watson merely rolls his eyes and listens to Holmes' wild theories. Holmes learns from Moriarty himself that he killed Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) as a way to threaten Holmes for interfering in his master plan. Moriarty reveals he is a share-holder in many munitions companies. He plans to push Europe into war to gain a profit. Holmes crashes Watson's honeymoon in order to save him and Mary from Moriarty's henchman. Holmes tosses Mary out of the train and into the river only to be saved by his brother (Stephen Fry). Holmes and Watson set off to investigate the origins of a letter intended for a gypsy fortune teller(Rapace) that could track down the path of Moriarty.



If you're not in the mood for any of the Oscar-bait movies, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows might just be the movie for you. Back for a second time as Holmes and Watson, Downey and Law prove they have great chemistry together. Downey is one of the best character actors working today. Stephen Fry is hilarious as Holmes' brother. The pacing is unbalanced at times. The action sequences, verbal sparring between Holmes and Moriarty, and comedic moments succeed at keeping the story going. Unfortunately, the film tends to drag during the down times between all of that. Even though this sequel is not as good as the original, it is still provides for an entertaining night out. I really hope Ritchie, Downey, and Law are up for more adventures. It's a successful series due to fantastic leads and an updated feel and look to classic characters.

RATING: *** 1/2 (3.5 out of 5 stars)

Pin It Now!

No comments:

Post a Comment