Or as I like to call it - Sherlock Holmes and the lingering man-stare
Our story starts in London, where someone has set off a series of bombings that look to start World War 3..... or World War 1, wait, this movie is around 1900..... when were the Nazi’s? God I suck at history. Bombings that could start a World War! Back in those days, international crime was handled by private detectives in England (I guess, it’s the only thing that makes sense), so enter Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) and his “just good friend” Dr.Holmes (Jude Law) who just wants to get married and go on his honeymoon. The chemistry between Sherlock and Watson is that erotically charged, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that just maybe Sherlock is setting off these bombs for a chance to prove to Watson that getting married is for suckers, and all you need is your bro! More wine Watson? Oh look at the time, no I always sleep naked, you should too, what ever happens happens. Just go with it.
You think I’m going overboard with the gay undertones of this movie? Go and see it and tell me I’m wrong! Just as I was wondering how Holmes swings, he crashes Watson’s honeymoon (granted there’s bad guys afoot), in a dress. Watson’s new bride gets thrown out of a moving train, not by accident, but very deliberately by Sherlock, his dress gets ripped off in the heat of passion, I mean battle, before he urges Watson to “lie down with me Watson”.... his words, not mine. He then whisks Watson off to Paris which is “the most logical honeymoon destination of all”... again, Sherlock’s words, not mine! God damn, when did I put Top Gun on?
See anything you like Watson? Does this doctor make house calls?
But the whole story isn’t just a build up as to whether they’ll kiss, it’s a good fun adventure with plenty of changing scenery, well shot gun fights and action sequences. Guy Ritchie’s iconic direction is perfect for a movie like this, his mix of quick shots and slow motion allowing us to keep up with Sherlock’s powers of deduction. A beautifully shot chase/gun fight scene towards the end of the movie will have you on the end of your seat. The slow motion shots following bullets make it amazing to watch. Unlike other directors, Ritchie seems to understand that if you’re watching a bullet fly through the air in slow motion, people who are running will pretty much appear to have stopped (I’m talking to you Michael Bay. People were taking half a dozen steps during some of your slow-mo bullet shots in Bad Boys 2!), and it’s this attention that shows a brilliant film maker. But the main thing is, that it’s a good fun, adventure, and that’s what you’d expect from Sherlock Holmes. This installment sees the welcome inclusion of uber-Brit Stephen Fry as the older Holmes brother (I personally think Stephen Fry should be included in anything that involves England in any way shape or form), but I feel he could have been better utilised, rather than being comedy relief as he wanders around naked in a scene that adds little to the story, but he fits the era perfectly.
Just stand there and be English. Perfect! Action
A frustration I had was I felt that I was in the dark for a good portion of the movie as Holmes plays his cards quite close to the chest, but after reflecting on the movie, I realised that was the plan. As the viewer, you’re not expected to solve the mystery, that’s what Sherlock Holmes is here for. This story is written from Dr.Watson’s perspective, and he’s in the dark as much as we are, we’re just along for the ride with the world’s second best detective (Who’s first? Batman, duh)
Alright bad example
Sherlock Holmes A Game Of Shadows is a solid action/adventure movie, that will almost guarantee a third installment to the series. A fun romp full of action that will have you enthralled until the final twist.....
