Back to Conan Doyle's time....

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2011)

When Guy Ritchie introduced us to his version of the greatest detective, his slick, stylized action, Victorian theme and intelligent story were distinctive impressions he left along with Robert Downey Jr.'s entertaining depiction of the protagonist. As much as everyone enjoyed the convoluted plot, the transformational landscape of London, the chemistry between actors and their case solving skills, it was frightening to imagine the prospect of a chance encounter between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty that the film left us hanging on to. Guy Ritchie did set great expectations riding on a duel between Holmes and the Professor. However, this 'Game of Shadows' turns out to be a stellar sequel that has successfully engrained the greatness of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works. What makes it even better is of course, Robert Downey Jr.
Dr. Watson moves on with real life as his wedding draws closer while Holmes delves deeper into his investigation linking international terrorism acts with Prof. Moriarty. Holmes is still experimenting with chemicals, drugs, botany and camouflage costumes to aid his skills but with such a nemesis, he will require much more than just that. At Watson's stag party, Holmes encounters the fortune telling gypsy Sim (Noomi Rapace) whose brother wrote a note. Holmes' acute observation reveals the lurking danger of an assassin whose acrobatic skills provide a thrilling action sequence at the venue. The following day, after Watson's wedding, Holmes is invited for a tete-a-tete with the Professor where they initiate the game to overcome each other. The first phase would thus involve saving Watson's life aboard his honeymoon train where a cross-dressed Holmes wreaks havoc. Thereafter, it is in Paris that they find Sim, who offers clues to a band of revolutionaries that turned extreme. They are assisting Moriarty's sinister plans of igniting war among European nations. In a subsequent investigation at an arms factory, Holmes is captured by Moriarty, who reveals his plans till Watson gets the better of his gun-man after blasting a light-house. After the most visually dazzling escape and recovery, Holmes deduces that the upcoming peace summit would be Moriarty's ultimate opportunity to spark war. Over the Reichenbach Falls at the Peace summit, the ultimate showdown involved the unravelling of the undercover assassin in the ballroom whereas outside, Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty sat down for an ultimate game of chess in the shadows of mystery.
The highlight of this film is undoubtedly the cloak and dagger rivalry between the two masterminds who play their bishops and knights throughout the movie on a game board that is Europe. Make no mistake that Professor Moriarty is the most formidable criminal mind and the grandfather of most villains. But when Sherlock Holmes unravels each mystery with his deductions based on acute observation of things around him, he tends to make you feel smarter till the very moment when he explains it. Thus introducing the dawn moment upon you. Aided by his able accomplice who helps navigate his own darkness and idiosyncrasy, Holmes builds a much stronger bond with Watson as they wage higher stakes in this game. Their trust and dependence on each other creates more than just chemistry between the characters. Their 'partnership' is tantamount to their individual talents. One, a mastermind at unravelling mysteries and another who can balance the madness of Sherlock Holmes.
Jude Law feels no aura of great characters around him. He stands comfortably in familiar shoes, doing his best to support or counter the eccentricities of Holmes. However, he has managed to depict the rougher edges of Dr. Watson who can now dodge bullets, fire mortars and deduce observations as well.
There couldn't have been a better match for Professor Moriarty than Jared Harris (Mad Men). Not only does he have the suave, grace, aura and sophistication of the great criminal mastermind but he can also portray the coldness of a sinister villain. Just as Conan Doyle had described in his books, Moriarty carries with himself, an authority that is based on intellect, power and wealth but always walks across as a shadow.
Robert Downey Jr. is a fabulous Sherlock Holmes. Not only did he improvise on his first act, he has now made himself a mandatory attachment to the franchise. Conan Doyle's Sherlock was always the composed mastermind detective but RDJ makes Sherlock a whole lot of fun while maintaining the essence of the character. As the other Holmes, Stephen Fry provides more comic relief in the battle of masterminds.
Hans Zimmer yet again delivers an exemplary soundtrack while the cinematography by Philippe Rousselot captures the detailed art direction of 19th century Europe, the slow motion action sequences: especially the escape from the arms factory.
Guy Ritchie had some great writing to enable his nimble directorial abilities. Partly inspired by Conan Doyle's 'The Last Chapter', 'Game of Shadows' is still an invention in intelligent story-telling. As Ritchie departs from the original Sherlock Holmes we grew up watching, he manages to revive Conan Doyle's remarkable story-telling with a focus on powerful characterization. Then, by picking up the best of today's technology and setting it in the 19th century, he also succeeds in creating magical sequences. His take on Reichenbach falls is stupendous even though we know what is coming. The intriguing plot has a lot of witty humor that at times will be hard for Americans to follow but will be adored by those on the other side. Robert Downey Jr. adds spontaneity to it all and draws applause from the audience which is still bemused by an actor who can play both Ironman and Sherlock Holmes equally well.
Sometimes, sequels stand on their own without the need to draw comparisons. Such is the case with 'A Game of Shadows'. With its action, intriguing plot and witty dialogues, this one is a complete entertainer and that, is an elementary deduction my dear Watson.
8.89 on a scale of 1-10.