Game of Shadows is a solid sequel.

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2015)

To those raised on the Holmes or Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Bret, 2009's Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. in the title role, came as something of a shock, some might say a revelation. Here was the esteemed detective as action hero, battling the forces of crime not only with his keen intellect and powers of observation, but also with fisticuffs, gun play, and a near precognitive ability to predict his opponents' motions. It was highly unconventional, a complete departure from past portrayals, but it worked. And in Game of Shadows, it works once more.
The formula director Guy Ritchie has taken works because it adds new aspects to the persona of Sherlock Holmes, thus broadening his appeal, while keeping largely intact the things which endeared generations of fans to the character in the first place. By which I mean that although this version of Holmes is far more action oriented than previous incarnations, his ultimate success still depends on his ability to see details and make connections that no-one else can.
And while the wisecracking, somewhat rakish Holmes seen here may come as something as a shock, it should be remembered that Doyle's great detective has always nursed a morphine habit and delighted in backhandedly belittling lesser investigators, and that the author did on at least one occasion refer to Holmes's study as 'Bohemian.' So while Downey's portrayal may be something of a stretch, it is a least partially grounded in the Doyle's work. And regardless of its faithfulness to the source material, there's little doubt that this Holmes' wit and unconventionality are highly amusing.
The action scenes are very good, with choreography easily equaling that of most contemporary martial arts pictures. It's especially interesting, if a bit credibility stretching, to watch as Holmes works out each movement of the upcoming fight within his head, then makes a few minute adjustments to achieve the desired ends. Nor has the big reveal, in which Holmes shows how he has fit the pieces together and outsmarted the criminals, lose any of its impact. As is to be expected in any good mystery, even the smallest details, going back almost to the beginning of the case, can have great importance at the case's end.
I will admit however that while the chain of clues didn't seem to have any gaps, it wasn't entirely clear what set Holmes on the trail in the first place. More seriously, at times film becomes a bit too goofy for its own good, and it seems that the actors are unable to resist cracking up just a bit. And based on one scene around the halfway mark, I would urge Downey to avoid playing members of the opposite sex in the future.
Overall though, Sherlock Holmes- Game of Shadows has successfully captured the magic of its predecessor. It combines action, humor, and unexpected twists a package that should satisfy and entertain most film goers.