'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' Movie Review: Campy Bromance and Fun Disguises

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," the first sequel to the "Sherlock Holmes" franchise featuring Robert Downey Jr. in the title role, along with Jude Law as his partner Dr. Watson, explores the bromantic adventures of the two leads during a tumultuous time set more dangerous by the smart criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty, played by Jared Harris. Guy Ritchie crafts this decently entertaining movie with a camp twist. Although lacking a genuinely emotive core, this period-style buddy-cop flick has that show-off attitude that often works as a fun mainstream fare.

This film adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic work is primarily an enjoyable romp for the ludicrously comedic antics of its varying characters. Its storytelling charm also benefits from its cunning villain who effectively becomes an intellectual rival and adversary to the master sleuth. Their battle of wits keeps the story engaging. Meanwhile, the fiendish chemistry between the main characters puts a lot of compelling moments to the story. They are often seen goofing like a homoerotic odd couple who consummates their bromance through endless banters and frantic fight and escape scenes. Beyond their professional partnership, their married couple-like bond prevents the movie from becoming a lumbering and bombastic bore.

This movie showcases a "Sherlock Holmes on steroids" treatment, which is already expected given Ritchie's flair for hyperactive storytelling and adrenaline-filled sequences. Aside from his action-packed and special effects-driven scenes, he also fills the frame with a slapdash of comedic elements such as a bride being thrown off a train, naked shots of a flabby man, and zany, chameleon-like disguises. His method of directing also focuses on maximizing what present-day CGI can offer on screen, which puts such modern sensibilities to this often technically enticing audio-visual fare. However, there are times that viewers can already get bummed out with the overuse of speed-ramping effects on the action scenes.

With the way he channels his character as Holmes, Downey continues to make him as much a part of his nature with the way he channels both this world-famous detective's inner psyche and physical bearing. The way he handles his keen powers of observation generally works for the story's needs. He possesses the character on his own terms, which aptly fits the cinematic interpretation wielded by the stylish Ritchie.

The main issues of the film include being too safe and eliminating a more intelligent approach in favor of its more commercialized movie treats. At times, scenes with cliffhanger escapes also get needlessly overlong and overblown. The crunch-and-thud action shots sometimes become a series of disorganized and messy pieces. Yet, in some moments, the movie is still able to go beyond the expectations for a big-budget popcorn flick through its effective establishment of moods and atmospheres.

Aside from its varying action pieces, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," maintains a certain form of melodramatic literature in between its derivative and distinctly stylish parts. Technically, this motion picture offering works like a big, fancy fireworks display. It could have benefited more if wittier storytelling elements were able to find their way around it. Nevertheless, its dazzling cinematography complements its fun costume changes and sumptuous art direction.

The genuine thrill for a reverent "Sherlock Holmes" movie may be gone with this second movie installment of the franchise, but essentially, it is still able to justify its popcorn flick sensibilities by providing a lavishly crafted escapist treat for its willing audience.