An engaging game

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2011)

The original cast and director (and a few newcomers) have banded together to bring us yet another visually delightful, humorous and action-packed sequel to Sherlock Holmes' newest incarnation.
A game of shadows takes place shortly after the events of the first film as Holmes interferes with Prof. Moriarty's plans one time too many and the two agree that it is indeed war between them, or if you prefer, the beginning movements in a good vs. evil game of chess.
Many of the same elements remain in the series, from Holmes' energetically manic and inconsiderate behavior to the slow-motion action sequences which are used a bit more, and artistically tinkered with. This is both a critique and a compliment, because it can be rather jarring and repetitive, but also very stylish and fun. I would highly recommend you choose a seat that is a decent distance from the screen so that these elements can be properly enjoyed without being a distraction. Admittedly, the second half of the film is where things really start to speed along nicely, but in most ways the moderate and somewhat bleak start is justified by the film's conclusion. I haven't watched many of the older Holmes films but I have read all the stories and I can say that it is a wonderful and satisfying retelling of the battle between Doyle's fictional geniuses. Yet again the sets and locations are appropriate and well made, the humor is goofy and offbeat (a bit more risqué than the last, but not enough to really offend I don't think), the cast shines in their roles, including the talented Jared Harris, who forgoes overplaying the role of antagonist in favor of a soft-spoken and covertly cruel narcissist, Noomie Rapace as the gypsy Sim does not torture us with stereotypically maudlin, lascivious or catty dialogue, and instead is a sturdy and calming presence added to the brotherly bond of Holmes and Watson, and Stephen Fry plays Sherlock's older brother Mycroft exactly as I pictured him; lazy, smart and endearingly snobbish.
The only real complaint I have with this film (and this is where the spoilers are, beware!) Is the supposed death of Irene Adler, which falls short of being a twist since it takes place at the beginning of the film, and is neither helpful in securing our dislike of Moriarty (since we do not see Irene's dead body or even prolonged suffering), nor our empathy for Sherlock (since he literally makes no comment or reaction to hearing of her death). The entire thing is less convincing than Blackwood's death at the beginning of the first film, pointless for the aforementioned fact that it was dealt with in a totally underwhelming way, and undermining of Irene's character in intelligence and the fact that she repeatedly escaped brushes with death in the first film. This write-off is disappointing not only because Adler was a useful and likable character, but also because if it was intended to be absolute then that means that the writers were sloppy and indifferent in that respect.
All this being said, I did enjoy the film, and perhaps if you take my recommendation, you will too.