A brilliant all-action Victorian adventure !

Rating: 8/10 (17 April 2012)

Having enjoyed the first Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes adventure and having read all the Conan Doyle stories in the past, I was of course looking forward to the next Ritchie instalment with bated breath. And I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed.
From the first scenes, the game was afoot. And with not a spare second to dip into your popcorn tub, you're taken on a roller-coaster ride through the darkest depths of Victorian London and pre WW1 Europe, where you get to marvel in some superb set pieces, eye catching special effects and deliciously quirky characterisations.
On the downside, the plot is a little slight in substance, and the rather irritating fashion to cram in as many 'dark' scenes as possible (ie night shots, or rooms with no lights etc), can be a little annoying at times. I also thought Jude Laws Watson was a little bland and a let-down in comparison to Downey Jrs all out, take no prisoners characterisation of Holmes. These are only small gripes however, as the film overall is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that will earn a few repeat views in the fullness of time.
In addition to the spectacular sets, special effects and performance by Downey Jnr as mentioned above, Stephen Fry was excellent and a good choice for Mycroft, and I thought Jared Harris' performance as Professor Moriaty had a nice underlying evilness about it. I also thought the Holmes' fun 'interior' chameleon disguises were great fun and very original.
All in all then, an excellent period adventure film and well worth two hours of anyone's time. Roll on the next instalment.