Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective of 1890s London, England’s Baker Street created by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, returns in “A Game of Shadows.” It’s a showy production of modern technology which takes preponderance over the nineteenth century scenario in an inventive follow-up to the 2009 original. Robert Downey Jr. in various disguises reprises the lead role with Jude Law’s Dr. John Watson, his trusted companion-investigator played as action heroes in Indiana Jones”-type ventures. The buddies’ current villain is Professor James Moriarity (Jared Harris) plotting to rule the world by causing global terrorism, explosions, and assassinations.
Visionary filmmaker Guy Ritchie helms with a firm hand to make an entertaining cinematic opus although I could have done with less of Holmes in situations wherein he’s continually tortured and battered. Additional performances include Rachel McAdams’ returning femme fatale and Noomi Rapace (Sweden’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as a gypsy female combatant. Note: for historical comparison, fans of Sherlock Holmes should check out the 1939 classic starring Basil Rathbone.
