A Game of Shadows may not be as entertaining as the first Holmes movie, but with Robert Downey Jr. as the famous detective alongside Stephen Fry, Rachel McAdams, Noomi Rapace and Jude Law, what can go wrong?

Guy Ritchie adapted some tested “tricks” he used from the first film and improved it on this one. Like how Holmes dissects/narrates his plan of attack to the audience before he does it, the interesting camera angles which highlights the fight scenes, and of course the dry humor.

Visually, I must say that Guy Ritchie has a keen eye to detail. I love how this period was depicted in the film, as seen in the furniture, the costumes, and the setting. There was this scene where a common fight sequence was, in my own terms, beautiful due to the use of interesting angles. Its the first time that I have seen such artistry in a somewhat common scene we see in action movies.

Alas, I felt that his attention to detail was a letdown in the numerous sequences of the movie. For a fast-paced movie, 2 hours felt like 3 hours. Although it was necessary in the film, the do-now-explain-later scenes where Holmes explains his strategy is a little overused. I would appreciate it if Ritchie lets his audience think instead of providing the explanations…all the time. It felt that it sucked out the mystery out of a mystery movie.

However, the witty banter of Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law saves the rather stretched and “spoiled” parts of the storyline. It was clear that Ritchie is showering “bromance” all over the place. Even though there are weak parts, it is still filled with witty dialogue and must-hear dry humor. Some are courtesy of Fry of course.

Overall, you will watch it because you need to watch how Robert Downey Jr. gives life to Sherlock Holmes, how Jude Law transforms into Dr. Watson and definitely the awesome fight scenes. Just have the mindset that you have to be in “thinking mode” when you watch this movie. Spoiler: Great wit in the ending.

The Showbook Rating: 3.5

Parental Advisory: There are a lot of fight scenes that might be too much for 12 year old below kids.