Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
I was conflicted between actually writing about a steampunk-related movie (to bolster my previous column), or to write about a more lovey-dovey film that would undoubtedly lead into the month that holds Valentine's Day. But, seeing as I'm a fangirl first, I decided on the wonderful fabulosity that is the Sherlock phenomenon.
For those still unfamiliar with this legendary detective--Sherlock Holmes was the overly eccentric and slightly deranged creation of writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Through the eyes of slightly reluctant partner-in-crime, Dr. John Watson, the reader experiences wonder at Sherlock's astounding logical skills, which somehow lead to the solving of interesting crime mysteries. There have been many cultural depictions of Sherlock Holmes, from the British series of the past to a comic book retelling of the battle at Reichenbach Falls, to the current modernization starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
And then of course, there is Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), a rather spectacular mesh of espionage, conspiracy, camaraderie, and the ultimate battle of wits.
A Game of Shadows is the sequel to Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes (2009). It follows chronologically after the first movie, ending with the final confrontation of Sherlock's most notable adversary: Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris). Sherlock (Robert Downey, Jr.) has become a danger to Moriarty's plans, and in order to send him a warning message to desist investigations, the unassuming professor threatens to harm all of those Sherlock loves. In this riveting sequel, we see the death (supposed or otherwise) of Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the prominent governmental role of Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry), and the return of a recently-married Dr. John Watson (Jude Law).
But Sherlock would not be Sherlock if he backed down. And so, the psychotic detective undergoes to solve the ultimate mystery of James Moriarty, trekking from Britain to France and all the way to Switzerland to stop a potential European catastrophe. At the eve of mechanized weaponry and industrialism, can one really expect Sherlock to stand idle while the world slowly approached war?
The movie was heavily entertaining. Well, I was always a fan since the first movie, but I have to say that A Game of Shadows was much better than Sherlock Holmes. There was ample chemistry between Robert Downey, Jr.'s Sherlock and Jude Law's Watson, and they brought their partnership back to life in the sequel. There were many humorous lines and conversations between characters--particularly those between Sherlock and Watson, and then Sherlock and Moriarty. There was a rather fantastic female protagonist (Noomi Rapace) out to help them, and then there was Stephen Fry (which is a good thing).
What the movie lacked was a clear romantic angle; however, for me, this did not detract from the story at all. While I do adore Rachel McAdams (in a "oh my goodness she is fantabulous" kind of way), Irene Adler really was just a one-time thing. Mrs. Watson (Kelly Reilly) more than made up for it as Watson's wife, though.
Overall, A Game of Shadows had the better parts of Ritchie's Sherlock films. It had the fantastic music carried over from the first movie, the amazing scenery and cinematic effects (though the slow-motion was rather annoying at its frequency), and the obvious eye-candy (come on, what girl would not like either Downey, Jr. or Law, or both?). There was also an abundance of steampunk Victoriana flying in our faces, and it showed through even as Sherlock and Watson traveled to Switzerland (the oxygen pump must have been my favorite contraption!). Was I ever not going to love a movie like this?
