Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a 2011 period action comedy mystery film directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Stephen Fry, and Jared Harris. Based on the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and sequel to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes, the plot follows the eccentric detective Holmes (Downey Jr.) and his companion Watson (Law) who travel across Europe with a Gypsy adventuress (Rapace) to foil an intricate plot by their cunning nemesis, Professor Moriarty (Harris), to instigate a war.

Positives:

• Great set designs
• Great performances
• Great action
• Terrific soundtrack
• Great characters
• Good humor
• Compelling story
• Good direction
• Great cast

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot:  The story is really good and highly entertaining. It does start off right away and reveals how complex the plot actually is. The story takes its time to gradually reveal Moriarty’s plans while also focusing on the interpersonal relationships of the characters; Holmes having to deal with Watson’s life as a married man as well as Watson himself. The ending is satisfying but does leave an open ended possibility of another sequel. There is also this massive game of chest being played between Holmes and Moriarty. (4 out of 5)

Characters:  Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr.) and John Watson (Law) are absolutely amazing. It’s great to see these characters again, how they have to work together and overcome their differences in order to defeat the antagonist Moriarity (Harris). Their strengths and weaknesses do play off each other which do make them an effective team. Can definitely see this brotherhood, this camaraderie between the two characters. Moriarty is a complete beast. Man is actually pretty cold, he’s cold-hearted, he’s calculating, he’s very smart, he’s manipulative and it’s great seeing this game that he has going with Holmes. Even this certain respect for each other’s genius. Simza (Rapace) is a really strong female lead that maintains strength without her femininity suffering. There is this personal stake in this that she does share with Holmes and Watson, and she feels  like part of the group. Would’ve liked to have seen more of Irene Adler (McAdams). Mary (Reilly) is a good character although she does come off as a bit whiny but her position is understandable. She and Holmes have this rivalry over Watson. Mycroft (Fry) is Holmes’ brother and definitely as eccentric as Holmes himself. Definitely brings humor. Even Sebastian Moran (Anderson) was a pretty memorable antagonist. All in all, great characters. (4 out of 5)

Cast:  Great performances all around period again Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law completely killed their roles.  They have great chemistry together and manage to make the characters humorous especially with the witty dialogue. Rooney Mara is freaking great, she does manage to play a very strong female without it in pending on her femininity. Harris does a fantastic job as Moriarty. Gives him that intellectual yet dangerous feel. Other great cast includes Stephen Fry, Kelly Reilly, Rachel McAdams, and Paul Anderson. (4 out of 5)

Visuals:  The way the film is shot is done brilliantly; there are a lot of great shots whether its of the city or the landscape. The action sequences are shot really well and the editing does make the film unique. The set pieces and clothing design are on point and give a very authentic feel to the field. (4 out of 5)

Score:  The score is just brilliant especially the main theme.  Philipe Rousselotdoes a fantastic job with the soundtrack.  Fans of Hans Zimmers score from the first film will undeniably enjoy this film’s soundtrack. (4 out of 5)

Writing:  The script is well-written especially the dialogue which allows for some flawless execution of humor. The film does handle action well with humor that does help to flesh out the story as well as characters. Definitely good direction by Ritchie which definitely helps give the film quite a bit of edge.  One of the most memorable sequences in the film is the forest chase.  Fast paced, action packed and the cinematography is shot really well. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows is a pretty interesting and the highly entertaining sequel. It takes the best of the previous film and makes it even better. It’s a great cast, great characters, a phenomenal score, great action, and a complex, compelling story. Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows hits of 4 out of 5.