The limited strength of the first "Sherlock Holmes" was the interplay between Robert Downey Jr.'s Holmes and Jude Law's well-timed take on the good Dr. Watson. That asset returns here with even greater effect; they are both leading men, and this sequel recognizes that and allows them vitality in equal measure. Indeed, much of Sherlock Holmes' motivation this time around is decided by the potential fate of his longest friend and former colleague, Dr. Watson. As the film opens, Watson is to be married to his long-time fiance, Mary (Kelly Reilly), and this would be splendid save for the fact that the impending nuptials are terribly inconveniant for Sherlock Holmes. He is on the brink of discovering a dastardly plot somehow involving the genius Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris).
Perhaps the wisest decision of this sequel is the choice of villain, or rather, villains. Just saying "Moriarty" inspires the very essence of evil to roll off your tongue. Professor Moriarty is assisted by a skilled sniper, Sebastian Moran (Paul Anderson), who covers the Professor's tracks as he schemes his way toward getting various countries across Europe to go to war. This displeases Holmes, who tries to stop the Professor at every turn. This relationship is more complicated than it might seem because Moriarty is every bit Holmes' equal, both intellectually and perhaps even physically. Both of them know this and it causes each to hold a fair measure of respect toward the other. Moriarty, perhaps not wanting to eliminate Holmes out of sheer admiration, decides to attack where every great villain does; the heart.
The first really great sequence happens on a train, as Dr. Watson and Mary journey toward their honeymoon. Knowing Moriarty is sending assassins to provide a premature 'death do us part', Holmes makes use of his funniest and most unnerving disguise to board the train and warn his good friend, all the while providing some very well-timed safety to Mary. With a new honeymoon companion, Dr. Watson reluctantly agrees to assist Holmes in tracking down Moriarty to discover his plot before it's too late. They are joined by a gypsy named Simza (Noomi Rapace), whose brother may or may not be involved in Moriarty's plans.
This journey continues to gain momentum as it races through a middle act full of explosions, skilled gunshots, operas, chases and some truly fantastic sequences in slow motion. Slow motion is nothing new, and in fact can be tiresome when employed by less-skilled directors (Zack Snyder). Guy Ritchie provides it a new vitality here in a chase sequence through the woods that sees gunshots, cannon balls, and fast-handed combat all choreographed extremely well. The slow motion then serves simply to let the audience see all the skill at play and it doesn't feel like a gimmick. The art direction is as lush as ever and provides authenticity to a Victorian Era Europe that looks gorgeous. London isn't the only destination this time around as Holmes and Watson follow Moriarty to Paris and Switzerland.
One of the things I love is that Guy Ritchie knows all his old tricks from the first installment and teases us with some of them here, only this time turns them on their head. An example is Sherlock Holmes' signature ability to plot out every punch and counter-maneuver in his head before the fight even starts. We see this planning play out in slow motion before the attack is shown full-speed. He essentially does the same thing here twice, but the first time, an unexpected interruption allows him only the first two moves of his plan at full speed. The second time, both he and Moriarty are able to use this ability, and the audience is treated to the most entertaining fight coreography played out entirely in the mind since "Inception." It's brilliant.
Where the first "Sherlock Holmes" was just getting its footing, it was elevated by a magnificant performance by Robert Downey Jr. and his good chemistry with Jude Law. "A Game of Shadows" improves on that by providing more of what was already great, and brings every other element up to that level. This is a holiday action tentpole with intelligence to spare and some truly great performances. Its locations and set pieces provide a visual treat and considering its release window so close to many other Holiday movie options, I hope "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" finds the audience it deserves. A sacrifice may need to be made however. Sherlock Holmes makes a sacrifice toward the end of this movie that I think even surprises himself. The response it gets is very touching. To provide that at the end of such a grand spectacle full of mindless action shows a certain level of respect to the audience. It's not unlike what we could imagine Sherlock Holmes affording Professor Moriarty. Well played.
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