Reviews of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 2011
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I think BBC's Sherlock has spoiled me...
I used to love the Hollywood Sherlock Holmes films. Now, while still entertaining, they are like a handjob compared to BBC Sherlock. I like it, but you know what I really want. It's not as good as the real deal, Mr. Hollyfield.
Maybe I should say it like this...Robert Downey Jr. is great as Sherlock.
Benedict Cumberbatch on the other hand, phenomenal and I can't see anyone else in the role.
Jude… -
Although the first Sherlock Holmes was a commercial and critical hit I struggled to see the appeal. I’m no Holmes purist, in fact I don’t really enjoy his brand of detective story as I much prefer a whodunnit rather than a howdunnit, but Guy Ritchie’s first stab at the classic literary hero was restless, obnoxious and featured a poor villain. Given its success it is no surprise to see they have stuck with this formula once again.
Ritchie is so…
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Entertaining enough, but instead of turning Holmes into a James Bond, I would have much preferred a smaller, more scaled down old-fashioned mystery.
A Game of Shadows suffers the same fate as numerous sequels by attempting to out-do everything they did in the first one. Bigger, badder bad guy, more slow motion, more humor, etc etc. Yes, some scenes were very stylish, but lacked substance and heart.
I was really hoping for better, but I got what I expected from the trailer.
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Film 28 of The December Project: My Waterloo.
Guy Richie is almost there.
He has showed signs of some top notch film making in his movies thus far, and this is no different.
This is Richie's 2nd best film, and there are scenes of exceptional film making quality. His use of slow motion is stunning. Guy Richie can shoot a fight scene like no one else.
The rest of the film works due to the brilliance of its cast. All…
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Certainly, Robert Downey Jr. is a good actor, but when you are given roles as flattering as this, you don't really have to try very hard. Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes is a flamboyant genius, infallible in every way, maniacally efficient in everything that he does, even his shortcomings, such as they are, come off as brilliant and comically endearing. If he falters at all, the c.g. is right there to pick up the slack. It's loud and bom(b)bastic, diametrically opposed…
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Ritchie's rough edge, displayed previously in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, seems to be dulled in his Sherlock Holmes series. This second "romp" moves at an unforgiving pace, sadly lacking any danger or jeopardy in its many action set pieces, and whatever relationship was built between Holmes and Watson in the first film quickly dissolves into self-serving foolishness.
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Having heard many a negative review of this film I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by this 2nd offering of Downey Jr. as Conan Doyle’s famous detective.
It was established in the first film that Downey’s Holmes is much more the action figure than the text intended, but if you can forgive that, then this film, as the first, is solid and entertaining. Director Guy Ritchie as usual does tend to teeter into excess in his style over substance approach…
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Why does this movie begin with Holmes acting as if he's really Jack Sparrow? Why are Holmes' only two options always silly disguise or slow motion mind fighting? Why are there so many shootouts? Why are there no shadows? Why is there no real game? Why is that guy from Fringe sporting a huge beard and pretending to be Moriarty? Why is there so much slow motion? Why is it over two hours? Why did I keep watching? Why did it make money? AND WHY IS STEPHEN FRY NAKED?
Actually, that scene was kinda funny. Two stars for that.
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If your looking for a tour de force faithful to the source material, this movie is not for you. I on the on the other hand was just looking for a fun time and got that. Game Of Shadows is led by three great performances (Downey Jr. Harris, Law), some styilized action, and a great last 15 minutes. All of which turn Game Of Shadows into a recommendable fun time.
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Assuming this franchise continues, we currently have 3 different "Sherlock" properties right now. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course, but after seeing these movies, BBC's Sherlock, and Elementary, I can't understand how anyone could not vote for the BBC series as heads and tails above the others. I like Robert Downey Jr. and there is some enjoyment to be had from watching him have fun with the role, but A Game of Shadows is as misguided as…
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I had forgotten this movie even existed before I saw it on TV last night...
It's a clear cut case of a sequel being exactly as good as the first film (and possibly better in some ways), but suffers from not actually being the first film.
And from the fact that Noomi Rapace is not nearly as charming a presence as Rachel McAdams.
And because I'm never sure if Guy Ritchie is playing up the gay subtext because he's laughing…