Skip to main content

Jason reviews Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

More of the same from director Guy Ritchie and stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, which means if you dug the 2009 Sherlock Holmes, then you'll dig this one too. The first film is one I enjoy more and more with each viewing, and I expect the same will be the case here.

What I admire most about A Game of Shadows is that it doesn't just up the action and spectacle, but also the scenes of deduction and reasoning that are the Holmes trademark. Equally great is seeing Holmes match wits with his arch-rival, Prof. Moriarty. Played by Jared Harris, Moriarty is more than an equal for Holmes and Downy Jr. In fact, the film's most exciting scene is a chess match between the two. It's two great actors playing two great characters in a battle of wits.

As for the action, there's lots of it and it's all done well. This is not surprising given that it's a Hollywood blockbuster. I especially liked a chase through the woods punctuated by mortar fire. There's no need for Ritchie to shoot it as he does, but it sure as fuck looks cool!

This is a solid sequel and a nice continuation of the Holmes canon for a new audience. Downey Jr. and Law still have a nice chemistry and it was good to see Rachel McAdams return for a few scenes. The one weak link is the original Girl With the Terrible Titties, Noomi Rapace. She's a great actress given nothing to do here. Too bad.

It should come as no surprise that this gets a Good. I look forward to seeing it again. Bring on a third!
Labels:

Comments

  1. We Came from the BasementJuly 6, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Very good review dude! Enjoyed it immensely! You know your Holmes! Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

  Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends.  With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher.  When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up.  Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila!  Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink.  The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink.  The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices.   In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors.  The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort.  It was refreshing enou
Post a Comment
Read more

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo
Post a Comment
Read more

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ".  I know I remember them.  This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present.  With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good.  It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters.  This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's.  In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking.  I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e
1 comment
Read more