Film Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (2011)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers (Screenplay): Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney
Writer (Characters: Holmes & Watson): Arthur Conan Doyle
Running time: 129 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime
UK Release date: 16^th December 2011

Watched at the cinema Wednesday 28^th December 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having watched and enjoyed the previous Guy Richie Sherlock Holmes film at about the same time last year, it was nice to re-acquaint myself with the franchise on its second instalment. All the elements that made the first film great are back again, more so in some cases, and it was great to see that Richie still hasn’t lost his eye for the visuals. I will give you more of my thoughts after this brief summary.

Countries in Europe are being brought to the brink of war due to a series of bombings that appear to be being perpetrated by extremists. The truth is, they are all the work of one man, Professor James Moriarty. It is clear that there is only one person who has the capability to stop him; Sherlock Holmes. Of course he drags Dr. Watson into it and manages to ruin his stag night in the process. The damsel in distress this time comes in the form of a gypsy fortune teller, Madam Simza Heron, whose brother has been incorporated into Moriarty’s plan. Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft Holmes also gets involved and that makes for some interesting times. The question is, can Holmes and Watson foil Moriarty’s plans? Well, as you can probably guess, those Spoiler Police with their fiendish disguises may well be in the room at this very moment, so I must be very careful not to say too much (again).

As we’ve come to expect, this film looks great, Guy Richie really knows his craft and all the tricks are in evidence here. Some really superb ‘bullet time’ effects and some great fight scenes are fast becoming Richie’s hallmark. A great soundtrack from Hans Zimmer also backs up the visuals perfectly. All the performances were great, in particular; Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr, John Watson, both did a great job reprising the bromance that was so successful in the first film. Also worthy of note were; Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza Heron, Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Jared Harris as Professor James Moriarty, Stephen Fry as Mycroft Holmes, Paul Anderson as Colonel Sebastian Moran, Kelly Reilly as Mary Watson and Geraldine James as Mrs. Hudson.

Lots of action, a fair smattering of comedy and a thrilling plot go together to make up this film. Most of it works pretty well, however there is a bit of a weak link and that is the part of the story involving the character played by the, woefully underused, Noomi Rapace. I thought it was a little weak and didn’t quite have enough believability (for me). Having said that, the rest of the film was very thrilling and entertaining throughout with a great ending! Over all, I did enjoy this film a lot more than I thought I would at the beginning and so I’m very pleased to deem it… Recommended.

My score: 7.7/10

IMDb Score: 7.8/10 (based on 19,468 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 59/100 (based on 173 reviews counted at the time of going to press).
Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 85/100 (based on 48,913 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sherlock_holmes_a_game_of_shadows/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Professor Moriaty: Are you sure you want to play this game?
Sherlock Holmes: I'm afraid you'd lose.

Dr. John Watson: [seeing Holmes's drag outfit] What?
Sherlock Holmes: I agree it's not my best disguise.

Mycroft Holmes: [referring to Watson] You know, he's nothing like as slow witted as you've been leading me to believe, Sherly.

Sherlock Holmes: Uh, hmm... Right. Where are the wagons?
Madam Simza Heron: The wagon is too slow. Can't you ride?
Dr. John Watson: It's not that he can't ride... How is it you put it, hon?
Sherlock Holmes: They're dangerous at both ends and... crafty in the middle. Why would I want anything with a mind of its own bobbing about between my legs?

LINKS:
Official Site: http://sherlockholmes2.warnerbros.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES (2009)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Running time: 123 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

UK Release Date: 26th December 2009

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 9th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I originally saw this one at the cinema in early 2010; it was a small room, packed out and not much of an enjoyable viewing experience. It has now made it to the small screen and I am able to watch it in comfort… so much better! Now, I don’t know if it was the better viewing conditions, or the fact I have a better sound system than my local cinema, but I enjoyed this one a tad more second time around. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please walk Gladstone, the dog, while I write the next paragraph).

Holmes and Watson occupy rooms at 221b Baker Street, however, their idyll is soon to be disturbed because Watson has got engaged and plans to move out to be with his new bride. It’s Victorian London and they currently have more pressing matters, the game’s afoot! We begin with Holmes and Watson closing in on Lord Blackwood, who is in the throws of performing a satanic ritual in the catacombs below London. They successfully apprehend him and he is arrested by Inspector Lestrade. Sentenced to death, Lord Blackwood calls for Holmes and warns him that there will be four more murders. Having been hanged and pronounced dead, by Watson, his body is interred. The following day his tomb has been opened from the inside and he has been seen wandering about the graveyard. It seems Holmes and Watson have another mystery to solve. At this point, Irene Adler, a former adversary of Holmes appears on the scene and commissions him to find a man involved in the Blackwood case. This will lead them to a conspiracy that threatens the bedrock of British society. She is in the employ of a very mysterious stranger, a professor of some kind. I think that’s enough to whet you appetite… I don’t want to give the game away.

A very well made film with plenty of action and some really great comedic moments. I loved the interplay between Holmes and Watson; they were almost like an old married couple at times, which was really amusing. Great performances from all of the leading cast, Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Mark Strong as Lord Blackwood, Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lastrade and Robert Maillet as Derdger, Holmes’s fighting nemesis.

I found this a most enjoyable film to watch second time around. The score, by Hans Zimmer was spot on and fitted the action on screen perfectly. Although the dialogue does get a little bogged down at times, there was still plenty to keep the viewer’s attention. The fight scenes, and one scene in particular featuring an explosion in slow motion were all excellent… hats off to the stunt and technical guys for those! Over all, very entertaining and well worth a viewing!... Recommended.

My score: 7.8/10

LINKS:
IMDb Site: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/
Official Site: http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi781780249/

Film Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES (2009)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Running time: 128 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Watched at the cinema Saturday 2nd January 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I went to a matinee showing of this film and the cinema, in their infinite wisdom decided to show it in the little theatre upstairs. This isn’t usually a problem, but when it’s packed to the rafters it’s not the most pleasant cinema experience in the world. Having said that, I did enjoy the film. Holmes and Watson occupy rooms at 221b Baker Street, however, their idyll is soon to be disturbed because Watson has got engaged and plans to move out with his new bride. It’s Victorian London and they currently have more pressing matters, the game’s afoot!

We begin with Holmes and Watson closing in on Lord Blackwood, who is in the throws of performing a satanic ritual in the catacombs below London. They successfully apprehend him and he is arrested by Inspector Lestrade. Sentenced to death, Lord Blackwood calls for Holmes and warns him that there will be four more murders. Having been hanged and pronounced dead, by Watson, his body is interred. The following day his tomb has been opened from the inside and he has been seen wandering about the graveyard. It seems Holmes and Watson have another mystery to solve. At this point, Irene Adler, a former adversary of Holmes appears on the scene and commissions him to find a man involved in the Blackwood case. This will lead them to a conspiracy that threatens the bedrock of British society. She is in the employ of a very mysterious stranger, a professor of some kind. I think that’s enough to whet you appetite… I don’t want to give away too many spoilers now do I?

A well made film with plenty of action and some really great comedic moments. I loved the interplay between Holmes and Watson; they were almost like an old married couple at times, which was really amusing. Great performances from all of the leading cast, Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Mark Strong as Lord Blackwood and Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lastrade.

Although there was much to admire, I must say that, at times, I did find the dialogue a bit baggy. It got bogged down in a couple of places, which didn’t help the flow of the film. Also, the look of the film was a bit grainy, which made for a very dark aspect to it. Having said that, it’s still a very enjoyable film and one I will watch again at some point.

My score: 7.5/10

LINKS:
IMDb Site: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/
Official Site: http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi781780249/

Film Review: ROCKNROLLA (2008)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Running time: 110 mins (approx)
Certificate (UK): 15

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 17th October 2009.

PLEASE NOTE: POSSIBLE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having previously watched and enjoyed both Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch. (2000), I was quite interested to see this film. Not straying very far from the territory of gangland London, Guy Ritchie sticks with what he knows and what he does best. A complicated plot would probably cause many to give up, but I stuck it out to the end. It’s a tale of deception, double-cross, rock n roll and lies. I’ll try to give you an outline.

Two guys, ‘One Two’ and Mumbles, are double-crossed by gangster Lenny Cole and end up owing him a large amount of money. Fortunately, Lenny, who has the council in his pocket, has just made a deal with a Russian businessman, Uri Omovich, who has leant Lenny his ‘lucky’ painting. Now, Uri is using an accountant, Stella, to handle the transaction, and Stella has hired ‘One Two’ and Mumbles to steal the money that Uri is paying to Lenny for getting him planning permission for his building project. With it so far? The guys steal the money and pay off Lenny. Unfortunately, Lenny’s estranged and rock-star stepson breaks into his house and steal’s Uri’s painting. This leaves Uri needing to find more money to pay Lenny off, Lenny panicking looking for Uri’s painting and the rest of them trying to avoid the shrapnel…

First of all, a great script with some really great dialogue, hats off to the writer, Guy Ritchie, that guy gets about doesn’t he? A really well made film with some great locations; I particularly liked the scene where ‘One Two’ is being chased along the railway tracks by a Russian heavy (if you’ve seen it, you’ll know the one I mean). Some really good performances from, Gerard Butler as ‘One Two’, Tom Wilkinson as Lenny Cole, Thandie Newton as Stella, Mark Strong as Archy (Lenny’s top guy), Idris Elba as Mumbles, Tom Hardy as Handsome Bob, Karel Roden as Uri Omovich and Toby Kebbell as Johnny Quid (Lenny’s stepson). Honourable mentions go to Jeremy Piven as Roman and Jimi Mistry as the Councillor. I pretty much enjoyed the film, but I just felt that there were one or two loose ends that weren’t tied up by its conclusion. I won’t go into specifics, but there were some gaping holes in the end. There was a hint that there may be a sequel in the end credits, so maybe there my be some resolution in that, or maybe there’s more in the DVD release. Anyhow, at the end of the day, a complicated London gangster thriller with a really good script and some good performances.

My score: 7/10

LINKS:
IMDb Site: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1032755/
Official Site: http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/rocknrolla/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi415432985/