Phil sees SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-January 6, 2012

The second film I saw Friday night at the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell was one I had very low expectations for. However after the screening of the film I was rather impressed. Very rarely do I see a sequel that is better than the original. With SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOW, I can say that this was a much better film than the first film.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

Once again Robert Downey Jr. portrays Sherlock Holmes, the world's greatest detective as well as Jude Law as his sidekick Dr. Watson. In this sequel, Holmes is working on his most important case ever. Tracking down a series of clues leads him to his most dangerous adversary ever: the brilliant mastermind criminal Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris). Holmes and Watson join forces yet again, along with help of a gypsy woman named Sim (Noomi Rapace) and Holmes's older brother Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry), to thwart the evil Moriarty from starting a international war in Europe.

What makes this film better than the previous film is the inclusion of Moriarty into the formula. Your hero is only as good as his villain. Where would Superman be without Lex Luthor? Batman without the Joker? Captain America without the Red Skull? Peter Pan and Captain Hook, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, these are heroes that need their villain to make them legendary. With Holmes, Moriarty is a worthy adversary, and Harris gives a brilliant performance. Downy and Law renew their on screen chemistry and give their usual perfect performances.

Also worth noting is Rapace making her English language film debut. Rapace is internationally famous for her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the original Swedish versions of the DRAGON TATTOO trilogy. Rapace's role as the gypsy Sim is flat and her character neither rises to any occasion or is offered any romance. She's just there to hang around Holmes and Watson. It's a real shame because of Rapace's acclaim performance as Lisabeth, she deserved a much better role. Also look for Rachel McAdams, who returns as Irene Adler, but don't expect too much screen time of her character. To be honest, her appearance in the film was totally unnecessary. Director Guy Ritchie does a tremendous job of creating some amazing action scenes while giving audiences the chance to get reacquainted with these eccentric and eclectic characters.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS is a fun-filled action ride of a flick. So don't expect to see the same thing in the last film. This was a better film and more enjoyable. So if you're looking for a fun Saturday night film, than this film is perfect for you. Enjoy!

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!