Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Stuart B

  
  Watch the trailer and you have seen the movie. Very poor sequel. If you like Holmes, stick to the BBC series, that has wit, intelligence and good acting. This pile of rubbish was more like Carry on Sherlocking than a real crime movie.

• Tired of P

  
  Directed by Guy Ritchie, Warner Bros, 2011. Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Fry, Jared Harris, Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams. Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime Question: How often does a sequel come out as good as or better than the first? It's rare, I… More
  Directed by Guy Ritchie, Warner Bros, 2011. Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Stephen Fry, Jared Harris, Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams. Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime Question: How often does a sequel come out as good as or better than the first? It's rare, I know, but Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows might have just done it. I really enjoyed Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes (2009), so much so that I have probably seen it a half a dozen times. Sure, it may have been for Robert Downey Jr., but he's worth it, right? And that is probably why I saw the sequel. However, it wasn't just Robert Downey Jr. and his portrayal as the world's most famous "consulting detective" that brought me to the theatre this time. It was one of the first movies in a long time, it seems, that wasn't offered in 3D. Finally. It might have helped that A Game of Shadows was in D-BOX though. This was only my second movie viewing in the motion activated seats, and it won't be my last. Anyway... One thing that a lot of film-makers do when writing and making a follow-up to a blockbuster: adding in way too much of what worked the first time. It's usually the jokes, special effects, or quirky aspects, which are used sparingly, that help make the original a treat and leave us wanting more; but sequels usually get saturated with these details. It happens ALL THE TIME and it, in my opinion, ruins the sequel. Well, not this time. A Game of Shadows appears to start off relatively soon after where the previous story ended; and I wasn't sure I was going to like it. In fact, I thought it might be trying too hard by what I first witnessed. To be honest there was one aspect of the first film where I thought it was a bit on the hokey side, and I feared it was going down that path again or where the film-makers thought they had grabbed that elusive brass ring. Luckily, the story took a turn or did something I wasn't expecting at all. It was a shock, actually. Although I kept thinking that, "No, they didn't just do that", and that lingered in my head throughout the rest of the movie until I fully believed it. Nice one! I relaxed - well, as best I could in the ever-moving seats. I would love to go into detail about the story but if I did, I would just ruin it. Even though Sherlock Holmes is probably the only one who can receive this little amount of information and have the ending all figured out before he takes his next breath, I am stopping here anyway. But rest assured this story is worth seeing. It's more complex and ominous than the first; and I believe it might be best seen on the large screen. The very slow-motion scenes that occurred in Sherlock Holmes (2009) showed up here. No, I am not going to complain about that because I really enjoyed this specific effect. Plus, it was used just enough. And without a doubt, one slow-motion scene that takes place in a forest made the price of the ticket worth it - D-BOX or not. Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson, once again, made a great pairing in the sequel, and I can't wait to see them in another one. (Fingers crossed) Watching those two actors play off each other was almost like watching Fred and Ginger dance. I particularly enjoyed the banter back and forth between the two men. I wouldn't be surprised if there was even a little improv in their dialogue. A Game of Shadows shows a greater friendship, collaboration and balancing act that kept this film from being not just another action/adventure sequel. If you didn't see Sherlock Holmes (2009), it's no big deal (although I recommend seeing it, just the same). There is only one aspect from the first, a specific character: Professor Moriarity, who was mentioned but how they started the story in A Game of Shadows catches you up quickly. In addition, there are new characters introduced here - played by Noomi Rapace (From the Swedish version of the Stieg Larsson's trilogy) and Stephen Fry, who I hope is in the next one more, albeit more fully clothed. Yep, that's all I am going to say about that piece. My favorite thing: Robert Downey Jr. - of course. My least favorite: That the seats didn't move more. D-BOX helps you delve deeper into the story that you almost want it moving the entire time, no matter what's going on in the film. So. Much. Fun. Rating: PG-13 Length: 129 minutes Review: 8 out of 10

• Crash E

  
  The perfect combination of action, comedy, mystery and adventure, plus effect's were amazing, wonderful directing,.. so ... as expected this movie was just as EPIC as the prequel perhaps even more.

• Film C

  
  Its an entertaining movie thats enjoyable to watch! I loved Stephen Fry he was brilliant as usual. Its visually stunning again with Downey Jr being Funny as ever. Not sure how i feel about the storyline but to be honest it is thoroughly enjoyable that is worth a watch! Funny,… More
  Its an entertaining movie thats enjoyable to watch! I loved Stephen Fry he was brilliant as usual. Its visually stunning again with Downey Jr being Funny as ever. Not sure how i feel about the storyline but to be honest it is thoroughly enjoyable that is worth a watch! Funny, entertaining and a great cast so worth a watch.

• familiar s

  
  It's cruel to tax an almost nonexistent brain, all the more when it's already tensed. When Sherlock says "timing", that should have cautioned me. Not that the movie is extremely complex, but I just couldn't get most of it because I was yawning. Bad timing. Not… More
  It's cruel to tax an almost nonexistent brain, all the more when it's already tensed. When Sherlock says "timing", that should have cautioned me. Not that the movie is extremely complex, but I just couldn't get most of it because I was yawning. Bad timing. Not that I'd have grasped the whole movie had I been not so sleepy, but I wouldn't have had a hard time understanding what's going on. The movie isn't that good, nonetheless. First one was way better than this one. Having seen it, I can fairly understand why many wrote it off. Acting is first-rate, and the same goes for action sequences. However, the plot is too weak, and its executed likewise. Also lacks witty dialogues. All in all, quite watchable if you're not feeling sleepy and are sober enough. And if you're having other commendable options at hand, this one need not be a priority.

• Al S

  
  A spectacular, brilliant and wickedly cool edge of your seat action-packed adventure thrill-ride that packs more smarts, more thrills and more humor than the first. It`s better than the original. A superbly crafted and dazzlingly well-performend flick. An explosively hilarious and… More
  A spectacular, brilliant and wickedly cool edge of your seat action-packed adventure thrill-ride that packs more smarts, more thrills and more humor than the first. It`s better than the original. A superbly crafted and dazzlingly well-performend flick. An explosively hilarious and furiously enjoyable movie that sizzles with suspense that knocks your socks off. It`s loads of fun from start to finish. The perfect combination of action, comedy, mystery and adventure. A highly addictive cocktail of enjoyment. A pulse-pounding and tremendosuly entertaining movie. Director, Guy Ritchie returns to the directots chair of this wonderful film and brings great wit and style to the piece as well as keep its compelling characters intact. A non-stop joy-ride as well as a thrill-ride. Robery Downey Jr. and Jude Law are at their best, the are extreamly funny and loveable. They have the best chemsitry and continue to dazzle in every way. Downy Jr. proves to be as charasmatic as ever with another awesome performance. Jared Harris is brilliant as the infamous villian Moriarty. An instant classic. A Game Of Shadows is a true roller-coaster of fun.

• Joe M

  
  As usual Robert Downey Jr saves an otherwise terrible script.

• Carlos M

  
  A silly yet enjoyable movie that continues to portray Holmes as a modern action hero. It doesn't try anything new compared to the previous chapter, going for a safe plot that is never daring. Even so, it is a lot of fun, with an exciting mind battle as the climax.

• Sanjay R

  
  Though somewhat entertaining, two hours of miscellaneous chaos simply resolved by the inexplicably smart Holmes does not make for a good movie. There is no suspense because no matter the situation, Holmes is invincible. Beyond that the humor is hit and miss and the story is poorly put… More
  Though somewhat entertaining, two hours of miscellaneous chaos simply resolved by the inexplicably smart Holmes does not make for a good movie. There is no suspense because no matter the situation, Holmes is invincible. Beyond that the humor is hit and miss and the story is poorly put together.

• Lenny M

  
  Has a more accessible plot than the first, more about political conspiracy than gothic black magic, "DARKNESSES'!" I enjoyed this one a little more, more easy going and smooth. Has about 15 minutes of snooze time but for the most part it's great.

• Kase V

  
  The disappointment we must face, as viewers, is that this film is not as good as the one that came before it. However, that does not mean it cannot still be enjoyed. Downey is once again, brilliant and Law is perfect in the role as well. The great cast is what keeps the floundering… More
  The disappointment we must face, as viewers, is that this film is not as good as the one that came before it. However, that does not mean it cannot still be enjoyed. Downey is once again, brilliant and Law is perfect in the role as well. The great cast is what keeps the floundering story afloat. Great camera work again, and another good score. But the most entertainment came from the movie's best scene, in which our heroes are escaping Germans through a forest. The intense slow motion and editing created such a beautifully enthralling scene. Guy Ritchie just has to make sure to add more flourish if he's going to make the next film in the franchise better.

• Phil H

  
  Cor blimey gov! lovely bit of jackanory yet I'm kinda on the fence with this follow up, should be a cracking good yarn, looks lovely as did the first film, but in all honesty its slightly boring I found. The plot is a sort of mixed adaptation of Doyle's story 'A Final… More
  Cor blimey gov! lovely bit of jackanory yet I'm kinda on the fence with this follow up, should be a cracking good yarn, looks lovely as did the first film, but in all honesty its slightly boring I found. The plot is a sort of mixed adaptation of Doyle's story 'A Final Problem' and pure artistic license which works well, there is good character development, clever sequences and dialog and the continuity is well accounted for. The issue I had was the lack of excitement happening and then when there was action we have this silly slow motion thing being used way too much, amongst other things. The fact that Holmes and Watson are highly skilled street fighters and seem to be well versed in some basic martial arts or at least defense...I never really liked from day one, it turns the whole idea into something it shouldn't be much like the recent Three Musketeers film. They could be good fighters, that's OK but why not a little more grounded and scruffy, it would be more realistic and less like a modern buddy action flick that happens to be set in Victorian London. I really can't quite decide if I liked the film or not, I love the whole concept and the character Sherlock Holmes but I feel I enjoyed the first film more with its slightly more dark, gothic eerie look and feel. This film felt like a dull extension minus that murky misty old London town vibe. Overall I just think Downey saves the film really, he is great fun as Holmes and brilliant casting and its this reason why I watched the film. Law still looks rather camp and is bad casting I feel, he tends to look like Holmes lover frankly haha but Stephen Fry was a welcome addition. I'm 50/50, its good fun in places, mainly when Downey is on the go, apart from that its a bit dull and slightly uninspired. There isn't the fresh feel of the first film obviously but the sets, score, costumes and locations are still on top form, just lacking some va va voom.

• Manu G

  
  Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Excellent Film! I think it was better than the first film but that's just my opinion. I thought the story was great and intoxicatingly fun. Amazing… More
  Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Excellent Film! I think it was better than the first film but that's just my opinion. I thought the story was great and intoxicatingly fun. Amazing directing and acting by everyone. Can't wait for others to come! With Dr. John Watson about to marry and end their partnership, a disconsolate Sherlock Holmes occupies his time investigating the schemes of his archenemy, Professor James Moriarty. However, when Moriarty warns that he considers the Watsons a legitimate target for his retaliation against the detective, Holmes must save them and get John involved in one last case. To do so, they join the Roma lady Madam Simza Heron's quest to find her missing brother, Renee, who may be the key to defeating Moriarty. Together, the trio find themselves involved in a dangerous international conspiracy led by the Napoleon of Crime in which the fate of all of Europe hangs in the balance.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"If we can stop him, we shall prevent the collapse of Western civilization... No pressure."</i> Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. <center><font size=+2… More
  <i>"If we can stop him, we shall prevent the collapse of Western civilization... No pressure."</i> Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> Robert Downey, Jr. returns with charisma as the sleuth, with Jude Law not far behind as Dr. Watson, the straight man of the duo. Watson is getting married this go-around, which does not sit very well with Holmes, conveyed well by Downey, Jr without ever coming across as unnecessarily jealous. However, Watson's whole Honeymoon runs amok when him and Holmes must embark upon one final case to prevent Professor James Moriarty from manipulating the world powers -- via acts of terrorism -- into starting a World War. Moriarty is every bit Holmes's equal, and Jared Harris manages to be as cool and collected as Downey, Jr. is as Holmes. However, what makes both portrayals work, is the emotions flashing behind their eyes that are masked by their demeanor and the way they deliver their lines, resulting in a lot of sophisticated set pieces that are more Hitchcock than what one tends to associate with the films of director Guy Ritchie. The flick has fewer plot holes than its predecessor, though it lacks much of the crackling pace and energy of the first installment, often moving a touch slow for such an action heavy piece. Same as the first installment, there are a few scenes that just felt unnecessary and bogged down the flow of the story, such as the scene with Holmes's brother, Mycroft, in the nude. Even through all of the slow moments, Ritchie manages to keep the audience in the story through the verbal sparring that is always enjoyable between Holmes and Watson, and taking us into Holmes's mind by not just hearing Holmes's thought as to how he is deducing his environment, but by also visually representing these things through camera movement and reactionary point-of-view shots. The action as a whole develops organically throughout the story, with the story dictating the action rather than the action dictating what the story is about, and this is where A Game of Shadows is a step above so many other action films. The action is cleverly woven to where Ritchie can do a breathtaking chase sequence through the woods entirely in slow-mo, detailing every minor graze of a bullet and explosion, and then dial back to have a chess match between Holmes and Moriarty as the climax in a Hitchockian fashion. It is in moments like these that A Game of Shadows is the most successful, and it is why it builds upon the framework of its predecessor and surpasses it.

• Sarah G

  
  Great pop-corn fun but for me is overshadowed by the brilliant BBC modern Sherlock version. Still worth a watch though

• moon r

  
  Many will be surprised to hear that this film isn't Citizen Kane. No, really, not kidding, it really isn't. It's a fantasy adventure piece involving a mainstay fantasy adventure team. Some bad guys, some hot babes, some duelling, some witty repartee ... strictly old… More
  Many will be surprised to hear that this film isn't Citizen Kane. No, really, not kidding, it really isn't. It's a fantasy adventure piece involving a mainstay fantasy adventure team. Some bad guys, some hot babes, some duelling, some witty repartee ... strictly old school movie making stuff, and delivered with a smile (with a little cheese and pepper on the side). Not bad at all.

• Tyler K

  
  Some movies are just plain boring, despite the fact that they act to be smart, it just doesn't work. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows has a totally oblivious plot that's just ridiculously hard to understand, and also features varies names that I forgot about in a blink of… More
  Some movies are just plain boring, despite the fact that they act to be smart, it just doesn't work. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows has a totally oblivious plot that's just ridiculously hard to understand, and also features varies names that I forgot about in a blink of an eye. Near the end, however, the movie picks itself up and continues to fight for an okay score. The ending is truly remember able (also quite courageous) and the slo-mo special effects are Stanley Kubric-like. The movie definitely is not like James Bond, but it doesn't seem to feel like a great noire mystery that I was expecting, then again, I haven't seen the first one... but after this movie, I don't really want to.

• Sergio G

  
  As a BIG fan of sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character I have to say that Robert Downey Jr. is my second best Sherlock ever. And entirely different. Basil Rathbone is the best and always will be. But Robert brought that Sherlock that many of you don't know at all. Always… More
  As a BIG fan of sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character I have to say that Robert Downey Jr. is my second best Sherlock ever. And entirely different. Basil Rathbone is the best and always will be. But Robert brought that Sherlock that many of you don't know at all. Always thinking, weird experiments, opium addict, that dark side that was never portrayed in the late 30's and 40's movies. And besides he's funny as hell. So...what are you waiting for? Go see it! NOW!

• c0up  

  
  'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'. Surprisingly well scripted and a solid ensemble performances, putting it above the average summer blockbuster fare. The slow motion and predictive combat aspects were needlessly played out though.

• Thomas B

  
  Great sequel in need of some tighter plotting and a streamlined screenplay. Full review later.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings