Entertaining, although I still prefer the first film

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2012)

Considering how much I enjoyed the first film and being someone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows (The Granada series with Jeremy Brett series being the most notable), I was looking forward to seeing this film. Now having seen the film I can say I enjoyed it, this sequel has elements of action, humor, adventure, and camaraderie. Yet, it lacked a certain polish that I was expecting as sequels are supposed to be superior and more colorful than their predecessors. This film is not better than the first film but it isn't a waste of time either.
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The classic duo of the world's greatest consulting detective and his trusted medical companion. This time they have to deal with a new nemesis Professor. James Moriarty also known as "The Napoleon of Crime." Along, the way they meet a gypsy Madame Simza, whose brother Moriarty has hold on.
Downey Jr. and Law continue to have great chemistry. The way that they play off each other makes this almost a buddy picture. There plenty of action, changes in scenery as well as tongue in cheek humor. Jared Harris as Professor Moriarty is a much more interesting villain than Mark Strong's Lord Blackwood from the first film. Also, Noomi Rapace is a much better leading lady than Rachel McAdams was as Irene Adler. Guy Ritchie continues to show off his directorial style, particularly with the somewhat lengthy slow motion sequence where our heroes are running through a German forest with bullets crashing and splintering through the trees. The music, photography, and production values are splendid. It was also fun to see Stephen Fry as Holmes equally brilliant and eccentric brother Mycroft.
However, although there were improvements in some areas, I still feel the first film is better as it had more personality. Some purists have criticized Guy Ritchie's Holmes films for being more about action and comedy then about mystery and deduction. I prefer the first film mainly because it was more like a detective movie where there was a good balance of both deduction as well as action. Here, it is more of a breathless action-adventure yarn with a second half that drags a bit. Also, the supporting characters such as Mycroft or Mary Morstan could have had more development.
Still, if you don't take the movie seriously (which I don't think your supposed to) it has plenty to enjoy. Even though it was a lesser film than the first I might still buy it when it comes out on DVD. This film was a big success at the box office as well as with the public, so there will probably be a third sequel and when that happens I will be looking forward to it again.