Sherlock's Game.

Rating: 8/10 (10 March 2016)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011): Dir: Guy Ritchie / Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Rachel McAdams: Entertaining sequel to the 2009 hit. It addresses trickery and intellect as Sherlock Holmes always has every move mapped out before they commit. His partner, Dr. Watson is getting married but Holmes interferes in that when attempts are made on their lives. Director Guy Ritchie is backed with intense action and a plot that travels Germany and Switzerland. The opening effectively cuts a previous tie and it opens to a payoff that is often clever including a brilliant conclusion that contains the trademark humour. Robert Downey Jr as Holmes is clever with amusing disguises and an extreme sense of wit. Jude Law as Watson must put his honeymoon reluctantly and suddenly on hold while he bails Holmes out of certain death. Jared Harris as Professor Moriarty is the film's villain using bombs like they are toys to be wound at will and set loose. He is every bit as clever as Holmes as they nearly match up but Holmes will ultimately have the last laugh in an amusing final scene. The only weak role is Noomi Rapace as a gypsy whose brother is missing and Moriarty is linked to it. While her role thankfully avoids being a romantic prop, it is still lifeless nonetheless. Rachel McAdams is featured in the effective opening where she is poisoned, which is actually a shame since she brings much to the table. While the first film breathed new life into the classic character, this film is pure entertainment that is a game of shadows where the audience is delightfully tricked. Score: 8 ½ / 10