An excessive but fun sequel

Rating: 6/10 (17 January 2012)

t has some clichés and cheap turns, and I won't even speak of the ending - but it's still a well crafted action movie. I have quite the taste for Guy Ritchie, and even though he revels in excessive slow motion it's impressive at the same time as it's just a bit too much.
Robert Downey jr. seems to have found a role he really loves playing and he's a perfect fit. The role allows him to bolter in absurdities, he's an absolute delight to watch throughout and he's in no way afraid to go the extra mile. Jude Law is also quite fitting, and seeing how I got used to him in the first movie I'm no longer looking for Nigel Bruce whenever someone calls out for "Dr. Watson".
On the other side of the scale Noomi Rapace has next to no presence, nor has the main villain Professor Moriarty. Two dull and easily forgettable roles, in Noomi's case it's OK, has she is hardly needed, but I would have wished for a more compelling villain.
It takes far more time for character development than expected, and unlike many of it's kin it does relay on a script rather than constant action and explosions. Though the Downey jr. reincarnation of Holmes is clearly more of an action hero, and the mystery has been replaced with saving the world(at least in a sense) the movie does know it's place and knows not to throw away great character dynamics - and though the action scenes are excessive and extravagant beyond belief it does set a more adventure-esque mood not too unlike those of previous Sherlock Holmes interpretations.
The movie contains a lot of quality humor, often playing on the semi-homoerotic undertones we are so familiar with in regard to Sherlock Holmes. Sometimes it's just too hard to buy into it all, and as stated some of it is just too much - but it's a constant riot and Domney really keeps it together. Certainly met my expectations, if not exceeding them.