Detective Sherlock Holmes is on the trail of criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty, who is carrying out a string of random crimes across Europe.
Set in 1891, tensions between Germany and France begin to be violently played out by someone setting off a series of bombs in public spaces. Returning from the previous film, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) is walking through an open-air market when she’s approached by Sherlock (Robert Downey Jr.), who’s dressed in a questionable Asian disguise. As it turns out, Irene is being escorted by four bodyguards and of course, Sherlock engages in a wonderfully choreographed fight. Once again the stylish “Holmes-Vision” is used but there’s an extra intensity added with rip-roaring sound design and sharper portraits of Sherlock’s foes. After defeating the brawlers, he catches up with Irene at an auction and manages to intercept a bomb from being detonated in a large crowd. The two lovebirds have a dinner scheduled, but first Irene meets her mysterious employer from the previous film for a spot of tea. It turns out that the mystery man is none other than Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), Sherlock’s ultimate nemesis. Moriarty has a memorable entrance and before it’s too late, Irene realizes she’s been poisoned and drops dead in her favorite restaurant.
Cut to Watson entering his former shared residence filled with overgrown houseplants that have turned the popular Baker Street home into something resembling the Borneo. Holmes’ latest experiments involve urban camouflage, and oddly, the adrenal glands of goats. Watson and Holmes verbally spar with funny quips like, “marriage is the eternal purgatory, better to die alone.” Their spiteful mocking resembles scorned lovers with topics constantly centering around appearances and Sherlock’s new diet. The diet in question consists of cocoa leaves and caffeine, an homage to Arthur Conan Doyle occasionally writing his master sleuth dabbling in cocaine and other stimulants. Watson is amazed to see that Holmes has turned his former office into an intricate conspiracy mapped out with a massive amount of red string, calling it “the spider’s web.” Every industrial scandal or disaster on the massive map ties directly back to Professor Moriarty’s hand.
The two partners head out to celebrate Watson’s stag party who’s equally amused and annoyed that Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry) is joining them. Mycroft is apparently indispensable to the foreign affairs of the Empire and speaks of going to an upcoming peace summit in Reichenbach, Switzerland. In a hilarious moment, Watson realizes none of his friends from medical school, rugby club, or any lads from his regiment have been invited by the event planner Sherlock. It’s not to celebrate Watson’s upcoming wedding, that’s more of a solemn affair for Sherlock. No, Sherlock is there to meet the beautiful Madam Heron (Noomi Rapace), a tarot card reader that’s unwittingly involved in the vast conspiracy. During the reading, Sherlock detects a Cossack assassin hiding in the rafters, and with the help of Heron, the three engage in a splendid comical set piece. With Hans Zimmer’s string-heavy upbeat tempo and the slapstick humor, I was reminded of Gore Verbinski and how excellent his looney tunes inspired action films are.
In one of my favorite scenes, Sherlock surprises Moriarty at his office, impressing his super-villainous foe by naming the piece of Schubert that’s playing on his Gramophone. Sherlock continues to engage in a battle of wits by analyzing Moriarty’s handwriting using a method called Graphology or “the psychological analysis of handwriting.” Apparently, handwriting can determine narcissism, levels of intellect, and other faults in its subject, this exchange makes Moriarty enraged. Before the conversation is over, Watson’s life is threatened and both men seem determined to finish this “Game of Shadows.”
Looking at the crew credits it looks like most of the same people returned with the musical maestro Hans Zimmer cranking out a larger yet solid score. I’m glad the cinematography and editing are similar to the first film but there’s a larger scope with the story moving across Europe. Director of Photography Philippe Rousselot captures the Alps, dark atmospheric forests, and the aftermath of explosions in a manner similar to renaissance oil paintings. I noticed the editor, James Herbert, has been working with Guy Ritchie since 2003, so it’s no surprise the duo’s execution works well in the cutting room. While I appreciated seeing Noomi Rapace, her character’s a bit flat and unnecessary. Jared Harris as Moriarty and his right-hand man, played by Paul Anderson, are my favorite roles. Jared Harris, the son of legendary performer Richard Harris, has been one of the best leading actors on film and TV. His voice is a lot like his father’s, almost a whisper that can be comforting or terrifying. The best use of his abilities are shown in a creepy scene while he has Sherlock trapped, he sings Schubert maniacally into a mirror. Most actors would chew up the scenery but Harris brilliantly underplays it.
I’m not sure why Warner Bros. didn’t pursue a trilogy. If I had to guess, maybe everyone wanted too much money or Downey Jr.’s extended residence at Marvel/Disney projects made it impossible. That being said, I really like these unorthodox glossy interpretations. There’s plenty of VFX but they compliment the campy nature of the films. If you’re looking for fun escapist intrigue, I highly recommend checking this one out as well.
Now available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
