Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Noomi Rapace, Rachel McAdams

Dir. Guy Ritchie
Scr. Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney

There is no doubt that this is, at times, an enjoyable and entertaining film. But nowhere near as enjoyable or entertaining as Ritchie’s first outing in 2009. In fact, Ritchie seems to have rehashed the original and ended up making an inferior film – oh, wait, didn’t he do that once before? Yeah, I think so. This Sherlock Holmes also, in my opinion, suffers from comparison with a certain BBC series that is both brilliant and fresh. By comparison, Ritchie’s 2011 Sherlock seems tired and clichéd and just not all that smart.

We pick up not too long after the conclusion of the first film, but long enough for Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr) to have become convinced that a string of crimes are linked to evil genius Professor James Moriarty (Harris) in a web of conspiracy. Watson (Law) wants nothing to do with Holmes’ theories but nonetheless finds himself along for the ride to stop a world war and save western civilisation. No pressure. This outing takes us from London to Paris to Switzerland, and many other scenic spots along the way. It’s not really a spoiler to say Holmes and Watson prevail. In fact, if you know anything of the books or the television series, there won’t be much that is new here.

What is cracking, however, is the action. Ritchie has such a keen eye for stylistic violence and we’re treated to some great scenes of hand-to-hand combat as well as some lovely big explosions. It’s all slick and hyperactive and drenched with colour. And, yeah, it’s fun. What isn’t fun is how depressingly similar it all feels at times. Or how the dialogue seems tired. Or how Holmes, who in the first outing was fresh and funny and smart, has been reduced to an unlikeable, pompous git. Or how the plot is so paint-by-numbers and predictable. Was I expecting something more cerebral? Maybe, and maybe that’s my failing. But, come on!

I’m not really willing to lay the blame on the shoulders of the cast. Because, actually, they are pretty darn good. Downey Jr maybe dials it in a little too much, but he is still his usual charismatic self. Law too doesn’t disappoint. But it is really the chemistry and banter between the two that shines. The film definitely suffers when they are apart. Stephen Fry gives a magical performance as Sherlock’s shadowy and powerful brother Mycroft. Such perfect casting and such a fun portrayal by Fry. One question: how on earth did Ritchie convince him to get naked?!? Harris, as Moriarty, has wonderful gravitas but not enough “crazy behind the eyes” for my liking. I really do have to add a disclaimer here though: I am so absolutely in love with Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Moriarty in the BBC series that I don’t think any other Moriarty will ever stand a chance.

So, if you’re looking for a spot of mindless entertainment on a Friday night, this film will deliver I’m sure. But I couldn’t help but be disappointed and, at times, bored. If there’s a third in the series, I can only plead with Ritchie to try and make it smarter.

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Watson: You do seem...
Holmes: Excited?
Watson: Manic.
Holmes: I am.
Watson: Verging on...
Holmes: Ecstatic?
Watson: Psychotic.