Back, bigger, better

Rating: 8/10 (29 December 2011)

The year is 1891. There have been several bombings of large cities in Europe, and though he can't be linked to it, Moriarty may be behind it. But what's the endgame? Watson is getting married(and nobody thinks that's going smoothly, with his compatriot around), and with their relationship continuing to be like an old marriage(or a bromance), Holmes feels and behaves like an abandoned child. The latter matches wits with his new nemesis, and it's brilliant. In the first one, our titular lead is set up as a magnificent genius(and this one references it, with surprises), and in this, he has more trouble. The climax is phenomenal because of this. James is perfectly cast, as is Mycroft, the elder brother of our hero, Stephen Fry(his rapport with his sibling is priceless). The hilarious British comedy returns, with plays on words, crisp dialog and quirky, memorable characters. Rapace, the woman formerly known as Lisbeth Salander(until Rooney Mara's performance was witnessed by man), does a great job as the intriguing gyspy(and we meet her "people", and they're pretty likable and fairly treated) fortune teller who provides an opening into the case. McAdams disappears almost immediately from this. This remains an action adventure suspense mystery, and it keeps to a really fast pace. You get to breathe with the gorgeous establishing shots of Paris and Switzerland and take in all the rich details, writing and exposition. This doesn't fill you in on the original, and it is best to view these in order. There is again technology on the verge of what was possible at the time. This is a fun ride that requires paying attention and several views might benefit you. There is some disturbing, violent(mostly bloodless) content in this. I recommend this to any fan of the first and of the people involved in its creation. 8/10