We liked the previous Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey, Jr, so we thought we'd check out the latest installment in the series, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. If you haven't seen the first movie, Downey's version of the great detective is different than any you've likely seen - or imagined - before. If you grew up, as I did, watching Basil Rathbone in old black & white movies on late-night TV, you'll have to make an adjustment in your expectations. This version of Holmes is an action hero - which actually works better than you might expect.
Dr. Watson (Jude Law), is getting married, meaning his crime-solving partnership with Sherlock Holmes is coming to an end. Never fear, circumstances manage to force his cooperation for at least one final adventure. This caper features a plot by the nefarious Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) to ignite a world war. What follows is an entertaining romp through late 19th century Europe - featuring a bunch of bad guys, a few good ones, and almost non-stop action. Holmes has the ability to deduce the likely outcome of nearly every situation, so he's pretty tough - but not invincible - in a fight. Of course, most of the action is cartoonish, so leave your skeptical reasoning at home. Don't try to make too much sense of the plot or the action, and you'll be fine.
The interaction between Holmes and Watson is great - Law is well-cast as the loyal, not always willing, accomplice to the mayhem. The rest of the cast is complementary. Kelly Reilly is fine - but under-utilized - as Mary Watson, new bride. Stephen Fry is very good as Sherlock's brother, Mycroft - there's a really funny bit with him and Mary Watson. There is a brief (much too brief) glimpse of Rachael McAdams as Holmes love interest / foil Irene Adler - hard to figure why they'd cast her and get rid of her so early in the action. Her chemistry with Downey was one of the best things about the first movie. Instead, we're left with Noomi Rapace as "Sim", the gypsy woman who figures large in the plot. Rapace is an appealing character, but there's nothing going on between her and Holmes.
Ultimately, this is a lightweight movie - plenty entertaining if you like this sort of thing (which I do), with clever dialog, humor, and virtually non-stop action. Definitely worth seeing in the theater with a big tub of popcorn.
I must say, Gregg, that it's hard to get my head around Sherlock Holmes as an action hero. Why even call it Sherlock Holmes?
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not the same at all as the books. Kind of like what they've done with "Mission Impossible" - the movies are action oriented - lots of fireworks and crazy stunts, not like the TV show at all.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, it's entertaining - but it isn't really Sherlock Holmes.