This Sherlock (Robert Downey Jr.), as seen in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes, is exact in speech, action, and every other aspect of his life. Even his apparent gaffs are carefully calculated. He survives purely on logic with maybe a touch of OCD.
And what would Sherlock Holmes be without his Dr. Watson (Jude Law)? As Watson ties the knot at the onset of this tale, possibly abandoning crime-solving forever, that question is briefly posed and quickly averted.
Once reunited, for the time being at least, Holmes and Watson set off on a dangerous journey.
In this chapter we meet Sherlock’s intellectual equal, a man who’s seen only in shadow in the first film and who is the true foil of our Mr. Holmes– Professor James Moriarty.
As portrayed by Jared Harris (you might know him from Mad Men) Professor Moriarty is everything you could want in a villain. He’s cunning, incredibly intelligent, and a bit sadistic. If he weren’t trying to destroy the world you might just admire his brilliance. Who doesn’t love a villain that they almost respect?
In the climax of the film we see just how perfectly matched Holmes and Moriarty are as their wits and gifts of foresight are directly pitted against each other. During the preceding two hours (or so), the two play a dangerous game (of shadows…one might say) as each attempts to outmatch the other.
In the interim there are plenty of loud, noisy, epic scenes that you would expect from this action-hero incarnation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original creation.
Like I said, timing is everything, and the pace of this film may leave you breathless at times. They breeze by, briefly revisit and barely explain several seemingly important plot points. The style of the film leaves you wondering if they’re trying to mislead you or simply forgot as focuses were drawn elsewhere.
Most notably, Irene Adler’s (Rachel McAdams) abrupt departure from the plotline is not as disruptive as it is unsatisfying. The whiplash style of the film helps you forget quickly, lest you lose track of the central plot, but I can only hope that questions will be answered in the inevitable third film.
Adler’s apparent replacement the gypsy fortune-teller Madame Simza Heron (Noomi Rapace the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) is a welcome female presence, but as a character she is no match for the strong male leads.
Of course the mere presence of Holmes and Watson and their actor counterparts Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in this movie make it enjoyable. Their sharp tongues, witty banter, indestructible loyalty, and altogether charming presence make them so likable you’re willing to forgive a few loose ends here and there. This fact combined with the calm, cool, collected, yet calculating addition of Moriarty make for an overall satisfying sequel.
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