Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

I was pleasantly surprised as I watched Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows during my recent flight from Baltimore to Tampa. The "modern" form of Holmes is a far cry from the Holmes of the Arthur Conan Doyle books that I read so many years ago. Guy Richie, the director, has made Holmes into an action hero.

In this movie, Holmes, played by Robert Downey, Jr, is again matching wits with the evil Professor Moriarty, Jared Harris. Moriarty appears to match Holmes man-to-man intellectually; however, he follows no moral code or displays any hint of empathy whatsoever. This makes him the most dangerous man in Europe. As always Holmes has his sidekick, the trusty Dr. Watson played by Jude Law.  In this story Watson insists on going through with his marriage, a prospect Sherlock frequently reminds him will destroy his manhood and shatter his well-being.

Holmes' interactions with Moriarty and Watson define this film. When Holmes and Moriarty share the same room, real tension emanates from the screen. Their verbal sword play is a credit to the writing and the actors who joust for tactical advantage just by using metaphors. Holmes' interactions with Watson are not so good. For example, the relentless double entendres about their "relationship" lead the audience to question whether or not Holmes is homosexual or bisexual. Who cares? Overall I still recommend this movie if you enjoy a nonstop action adventure centering around Sherlock Holmes.