Despite what purists think, or opine, I rather enjoy the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes films. They may not be completely true to the character, yet they are really entertaining and fun to watch. The first film was merely very solid, yet the sequel takes everything that the original did so well up a notch. Doing so also makes sense considering that Game of Shadows features Professor James Moriarty, Holmes' greatest nemesis, a man equal to Holmes in almost every regard. Key word here however is "Almost," and Sherlock goes through the entire movie thinking, or maybe knowing, this as he tries to stop Moriarty's plans with the help of his usual companion, Dr. Watson.
Not only do Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. have great chemistry together once again, but there is also a further addition to the cast in Madam Simza Heron, played by Noomi Rapace. Oddly enough unlike the first film, where Rachel McAdams was not given much to do in the role of Irene Adler, Rapace's role is properly structured so that an appropriate balance is struck. This is especially crucial since the movie truly is dominated not by the two male leads, but also Jared Harris who expertly embodies Professor Moriarty, based on what I have read from the famous Sherlock Holmes stories, although in this case Moriarty has a far bigger role than he actually did in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work.
Even though some of the film is a bit over the top (not to mention the fact that the evil scheme is truly outlandish to a certain extent, also, Game of Shadows manages to be truly fine entertainment. Bringing in Sherlock's brother Mycroft (played wonderfully by Stephen Fry) was also a nice touch, and really there is something for both casual and die hard fans of Holmes and Watson. Whether or not a third film gets made remains to be seen-however if another installment happens, it better have the same duo of Downey Jr. and Law involved, not to mention Guy Ritchie directing. 90
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