Doyleian isn't even a word but it should be.

Rating: 7/10 (25 December 2011)

First and foremost what sets Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movies above many other previous attempts to adapt the detective to the silver screen is the fact that it changes enough and keep enough the same to appeal both to hardcore Sherlock Holmes fans as well as the sensibilities of modern action movie viewing audiences. One of the main things that stands out is that instead of Watson being portrayed as the clueless buffoon and comic relief many other movies have made him into the Ritchie Watson is much closer to the original character and it benefits the films greatly. The mix of Doyleian detective drama and Guy Ritchie style action and bravado works far better in A Game of Shadows than it did in the first movie. The Chemistry between Law and Downey is fantastic and needless to say neither of them phones it in when it comes to the acting. Whereas the plot of the first movie was rather dull and forgettable with only the chemistry and skill of the actors saving the movie from being "bad" the second movies plot, although not exactly a masterpiece, is a lot more interesting and engaging. Mostly because unlike with the first movie I can actually remember what happened.
In what seems like the best casting decision in the history of film making this movie has Stephen Fry as Mycroft Holmes and if that isn't enough for you to want to see it then you probably have some sort of brain dysfunction and should contact your doctor as soon as possible.