Witty, Endearing, Insightful

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2011)

A Game of Shadows deserves props for its witty banter: RDJ and Jude Law continue to have fabulous on-screen chemistry. It also earns a nod for its deft handling of the women in the movie. Irene Adler is given a chance to demonstrate her cleverness; Mary provides material assistance in a believable way and is generally much more likable in this film; and Madam Simza Heron, the gypsy, is savvy and human, able to hold her own without needing a love interest angle to justify her presence.
Also, the casting of Moriarty was spot-on, perfect in every way. He's believable as an academic, and as a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. He's an excellent match for RDJ's Holmes. And the scene at Reichenbach Falls is performed admirably, with a deft and subtle touch, particularly by Holmes and Watson, but Moriarty is excellent too. And I was impressed that Moriarty and Holmes managed to trade some very insightful remarks about human nature, setting this film a cut above action flicks that have very little to recommend them beyond their special effects budgets.
The humor was even generally clever and fun, particularly some of Holmes's disguises and one rather ingenious way of jamming a machine gun. And, of course, no review would be complete without a nod to Mrs. Hudson, or "Nanny," as RDJ's Holmes so quaintly puts it. A long-suffering housekeeper, indeed. :) If you've not yet seen it, get thee to a theater! A Game of Shadows is well worth the hassle of finding a babysitter.