Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law
Director: Guy Ritchie
A game of Shadows, in short, is a masala entertainer. It has Robert Downey Jr as a more brawny than brainy Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as an absolutely delectable Dr. Watson and Stephen Fry as an utterly hilarious Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's elder brother. Like the first part, the movie does not follow any particular story written by Sir Doyle but makes up a new one of its own with the elements thrown in. Here Holmes' arch nemesis Professor Moriarty is out wreck havoc on the western civilization and it's upto Holmes and a newly married Watson to stop him. The movie's most outstanding feature is it's special effects. The action packed sequence make you hold your breath and brawls want to make you whistle.
The movie has witty dialogues mouthed with elan by the leads and quiet a number of thrilling as well as funny sequences. There were talks of Brad Pitt playing the brilliant Prof. Moriarty, but thank the Lord's that didn't happen. Jared Harris as the sinister genius fits the character like a glove.
Among the things that the movie lacks is the basic storyline. With all the fantastic build up, one expects the actual conspiracy to blow away the mind. But, it falls flat rather like a delicious looking dish which tastes bland.
Having, said that the add on's more than make up for a rather weak plot. The relationship between a possessive Holmes and Dr. Watson, Holmes' rather short lived but passionate love for a thief among other things are covered brilliantly in the movie.
To sum up, A game of Shadows is like a enchanting musical piece, which stops just short of reaching its crescendo.
