Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - 3 smiles

To like Guy Ritchie’s version of Sherlock Holmes is to like Robert Downey, Jr. and not be hung up on Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of that famous detective. To like “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” the sequel to Ritchie’s 2009 Sherlock Holmes is to like a younger Holmes who can immerse himself in action as well as provide satisfactory mental acrobatics. And this time around, Ritchie introduces Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) as Holmes’ equal-but-opposite, a brilliant mathematician whose just as smart as our detective. Holmes begins interfering with Moriarty’s schemes when he realizes that Moriarty is using anarchists and an ex-military sharpshooter to carry out assassinations. He’s also using Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) as a messenger. Meanwhile Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), Holmes’ assistant and friend, is about to marry Mary (Kelly Reilly). To celebrate the impending nuptials, Holmes arranges a ‘stag night’ for Watson that involves the company of Holmes’ older brother, Mycroft (Stephen Fry) and a lot of drinking. While Watson is playing cards, Holmes visits a gypsy, Simza (Noomi Rapace) who may know something about Moriarty’s plans.

“A Game of Shadows” contains a number of action sequences, including a chase-and-escape from Watson’s bachelor party, fireworks on a train, a painful encounter with a meat hook and a race through a forest dodging artillery fire. Ritchie’s style is evident, especially the use of slow motion and numerous quick cuts. The most inventive sequence occurs when Holmes and Moriarty face each other at the end. Since each has the ability to plot out the steps of the battle in his mind, their moves and countermoves are shown before any physical fighting begins. Robert Downey Jr. is comfortable playing the venerable detective and Jared Harris conveys a quiet menace at Moriarty. Unfortunately, Noomi Rapace, so good in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, is wasted here. So put aside your memories of the 1940s Sherlock Holmes movies and enjoy this movie for the popcorn entertainment that it is. 12/17/11