Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Professor James Moriarty is taking control of the Western civilization by controlling all the major industries. He intends to create war between the nations by controlling all the supplies. Sherlock Holmes stops him with the aide of Dr. John Watson, as usual with his brains, eye for detail and daring attitude.

John is dragged unwillingly from his honeymoon by Sherlock. John’s wife is sent off with Sherlock’s brother. They trace the professor’s evil intentions to a peace summit in Switzerland and in the end they avert a major disaster

The movie ends with the premise for a sequel after Sherlock is believed to have been dead back in Switzerland. The detective is back for more action in the end.

Hits

• The movie’s period style production design, artistic sets, elegant costumes etc. it is consistent in look and feel, as in the 1^stfilm of this franchise.
• The film really picks up towards the climax. The chess scene between Holmes and Moriarty is splendid. The other parts of the movie are enjoyable only due to the presence of the super charming Robert Downey and Jude Law. Their friendly banter and ‘pulling the legs’ routine is enjoyable as always. Downey’s elegant, casual style and his various makeovers (particularly the lady makeover) are a total crowd pleaser.
• The sequences where the action is visualized in the mind before it actually happens have been used in this edition too, and they work like a charm.
• The visual effects during the chase through the forest are awesome. The use of slow motion to show the effect of the explosives is another high octane idea.
• The in-your-face editing, jerky camera angles reminiscent of Guy Ritchie are there in this movie too.
• The witty dialogs filled with intellect. The dialog delivery style of Robert Downey accentuates their effect. 

Comments

• Hans Zimmer's BG score isn’t extra-ordinary. The signature theme continues from the 1^st edition.
• The villain isn't imposingly portrayed.

VERDICT

The movie picks up considerably towards the end. Otherwise, it falls short of the expected Guy Ritchie brand of cinema.