This is a pretty decent sequel that is again carried by the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. I don't think I have liked a pairing of actors better since Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon. Jared Harris is a good, devilish Moriarty and Noomi Rapace is decent as a new gypsy character, even if she doesn't have a whole lot to do. She works with what she's given though.

Guy Ritchie gives the film a very sharp, heavily stylized, frenetic look that might be a turnoff for some, but I like his films and how he frames and executes shots. They are never boring, which matches the quick paced script and demeanor of the actors.

There are times, however, where Ritchie almost goes overboard and "Guy Ritchie's" it up a little too much, for lack of a better term. There is one scene in particular, a chase through a forest, that was absolutely blowing me away. I was really into it. And then it kept going. And going. And going. Oh, another slow motion shot? Another 360 degree spin? Another slow motion 360 degree spin? It was amazing at the start, but went on for far too long and about half way through I thought to myself, "Come on, we get it. This is getting old."

The story wants to be smarter than it is, to match the wit of Holmes, but relies on tricks and withholding information in order to do so. Throughout the film we get close ups and zoom ins of objects we know will be used as the deduction method by Holmes in the end. It is a tad superficial in that way, but I'm okay with it. It does lead to an entertaining final moments where Holmes lays it all out on the line. Just don't expect to actually figure it out for yourself.

Overall, this is pretty much the same movie as the first entry, but there are enough good, new elements that make it worth while if you are fan.