Checkmate for Sherlock Holmes

"Who done it?” Mystery is not a genre that I have ever been overly excited about whether in literature, television or film. Nor am I generally an individual who likes to play games, but for Sherlock Holmes (Oh who am I kidding? For me, it’s all about the amazingness that is Robert Downey Jr.), I would make an exception. I consider myself to be clever and competitive, but this is most certainly a game I would lose with pleasure. Take your friend, your significant other, your mother or go alone--there is something for everyone! Just do yourself a favor and get to the nearest big screen, grab a buttery bucket of popcorn (or bacon-flavored popcorn if you’re smart) and sit back and enjoy the ride, you won't regret it.

I'm going to assume that all of you have wisely watched the first Sherlock Holmes film. If you haven't, what the heck are you waiting for? Y'all have Netflix, Hulu, Blu-Ray players, etc. and it was released in 2009, so you've had plenty of time. But I digress...shocking, it's not like that ever happens.

A Game of Shadows is a perfect description for this film that is all about the strategy. One brilliant mind placed solidly in opposition to the other and we the audience are taken along for an amazing ride while they play their game of "chess" with each other all beneath the public eye. I believe this early dialogue in the film sets the entire mood. Professor Moriarty: "Are you sure you want to play this game? Sherlock Holmes: "I'm afraid you'd lose."

I was hugely impressed by the performance of Jared Harris as Professor James Moriarty. Many of you will recognize him from his portrayal Lane Pryce in Mad Men. He crafted the character of Professor Moriarty to be a perfect foil to our hero Holmes, a near equal in every way. From the minute he appears on screen you are intrigued and drawn into his sinister plans.

As in the previous film I continue to enjoy the chemistry of the pairing of Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. I'm the first to admit I'm not a huge Jude Law fan, but this partnership works and they seemed to only deepen the relationship between their characters in this sequel. I was a little disappointed by the minimal participation by Rachel McAdams as I thought the chemistry between her and Robert Downey Jr. in the previous film is impressive. I will allow that her early departure from the film does help to push the story along. (I hope that was vague enough not to be a spoiler.)

Robert Downey Jr....le sigh...I HEART RDJ and I have for years. The man looks more amazing now than he did in his 20s! Looks aside though RDJ is brilliant on screen and he connects with the character of Sherlock Holmes in a way that is movie magic. You can't help but laugh and enjoy the ride. I particularly enjoyed his foray into cross-dressing in this film. He doesn't make a pretty woman but I'm really not sad about that.

This movie junkie is telling you to go to the theater and watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. This film is well worth your time, money and laughter.

SOURCE: Warner Bros.; YouTube