More of the same

Rating: Null/10 (25 December 2011)

All of the stuff I said about the first Robert Downey Jr. re-invention (some would say assassination) of Sherlock still apply: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/reviews-31
There is really little more to add. A Holmes devotee would be furious over a reinvented hero that is only a tad above Mr. Beans. The only thing worse is a Mycroft who enjoys carrying himself in complete nudity (you don't see it all but Mary Watson does).
The stylish filming and amazing set pieces are really what you are paying for. Actions are often in slow-motion and, although I hate to say this I'm compelled to acknowledge, poetic choreography. Everything is in Asian martial art fashion except for a couple of "Oxford boxing" punches as Holmes explains in voice over. Among the many great set pieces, the best is the one in the villain's ammunition factory, with such an pageantry of heavy arsenal that will make your jaw drop.
The story is anchored loosely on "The final problem - Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's second collection of Sherlock Holmes short storied "The final problem". This is where the author intended to "kill" his hero, perhaps thinking that he had written enough. But by popular demand (maybe not explicitly made) he brought the world's greatest private detective back to life in "The empty house" in the third collection "The return of Sherlock Holmes", after which he went on to write two more. I used the term "anchored" because other than the aspect of Holmes and Moriarty plunging together into the sea grabbing each other in a melee, there's nothing recognizable.
Here, I'll quote the conclusion of my review of "Sherlock Holmes" (2009): "yes, this is not your version of Sherlock Holmes but it's at least your version of Robert Downey Jr." This almost says it all. Downey-nowhere-near-Holmes will please his fans. Jude Law continues to serve the movie well in his version of Watson. Those who had been delighted with the wittily charming Rachel McAdams as "the women" Irene Adler, unfortunately, will be terribly disappointed because her appearance here is nothing more than cameo. The lead woman is none other than Noomi Rapace, the original "Girl with a dragon tattoo", speaking English of course. Not conventionally beautiful, this actress has her own special charm which particularly befits her role as a Gypsy. Jared Harris as Moriarty is serviceable but lacks the overwhelming personality under Doyle's pen. As mentioned, Mycroft as Doyle depicted has been completely bastardized but that is not Stephen Fry's fault. He actually did a good job with the persona to which his character has been assigned. Delightful Kelly Reilly as Mary Watson is a gem.