Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows [2011]
Contrived sequel to the 2009 film by Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows takes itself too seriously sometimes, which makes it harder to love (the first one was effortlessly pleasing) but, just as its predecessor it’s irresistibly stylish. I’m in love with the dark, Victorian yet oddly futuristic look of the movie. Robert Downey Jr. is expectedly good as Holmes but this time Jude Law is the standout. For such a strong dramatic actor, his comic timing is perfect. Noomi Rapace from the Swedish Millennium trilogy is a welcome (but underused) addition to the cast. Celebrated composer Hans Zimmer provides another spectacular, lively score.
Here’s one of those overly hyped movies that I actually resisted seeing. I may watch it on video, although your review doesn’t really make me want to see it any more. Nicely written!
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Thanks! It’s a step down from the original (which I loved) but still fun. I’m glad Rachel McAdams has only a brief appearance in the sequel. I felt she was out of place in the first film.
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I agree with what you said about Zimmer. I currently have the Sherlock theme out of my head, but the next time someone whistles it it’ll be eternally trapped in the crevices of my skull. I do prefer this one to the original. I haven’t seen any of the Millennium trilogy (nor do I plan to), but I agree that Rapace was spectacular.
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Well, I think you should watch at least the first film in the trilogy (https://fernandorafael.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/man-som-hatar-kvinnor-2009/) even if it’s just to compare it with the American adaptation (which I saw yesterday, review coming soon).
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