Harris superb in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ sequel
Reviewer’s Rating: ★★★
There’s nothing like a really good villain to make an audience appreciate a tried-and-true hero. Think about it for a moment. Where would Batman be without the Joker, Luke Skywalker without Darth Vader or even Paula Abdul without Simon Cowell? Granted, the last one may not be the best example, but you get the point. It seems the more heinous the deeds of the villain, the more heroic the hero must become to defeat him.
Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is back in his second turn as the super-sleuth, this time to match wits with the dastardly Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” As much as Downey’s quirky portrayal changed the idea of Holmes forever, Harris does an equally formidable job as his new nemesis.
Like most great villains, Moriarty is both eccentric and calculated in his quest for money, power and respect. Everyone who stands in his way is viciously eliminated, and his plan of inciting a world war that will bring him truckloads of money is coming together flawlessly. That is until Holmes figures out his true intentions.
The way Harris portrays the calm, yet rather psychotic nature of Moriarty as he tries to do away with Holmes is truly fantastic. To have an actor who can rival Downey’s natural screen presence made this a much better film. In fact, this proverbial -- and actual -- chess game between Holmes and Moriarty makes “Game of Shadows” a welcome departure from the typical mediocre sequel.
Director Guy Ritchie along with writers Michele and Kieran Mulroney create a visually spectacular world that gives “Sherlock Holmes” a modern day action feel. Just as in the first film, the story is interesting and, at times, even hilarious. The action sequences are also exceptional. This is definitely not the type of film that someone would expect from a traditionally stuffy Sherlock Holmes story.
Downey, of course, still takes center stage. Because the groundwork was built for his character in the first film, audiences get a deeper understanding of Holmes, especially in his friendship with Watson. They are reminiscent of an old happily married couple. In other words, their relationship isn’t as new and fresh as it was in the first film, but Downey and Law still have a great chemistry.
All in all, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” may not be in the running for any major awards, but it was a blast to watch. After a rather bland, actionless few weeks at the theater, this movie starts the Christmas season of blockbusters off with a bang.