Saw Warner Bros. Pictures first offering for 2012 – the Philippine premiere of “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadow” held at Glorietta 4, Ayala malls, last January 05.
I loved the 1st Sherlock Holmes and the sequel really excites me. I’ve been a long fan of actor Jude Law and he was amazing alongside Robert Downey Jr., whom I’ve only liked in the Sherlock Holmes movie.
Like in the 1st movie, director Guy Ritchie did an awesome work with the sequel with super awesome fight scenes and those unpredictable humor. I personally enjoyed the chase scene in the forest and the slow motion are just perfect!
“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” has already earned more than $265 million worldwide, with an estimated $140 million and counting on the domestic side. Internationally, the box office numbers are pacing ahead of the first “Sherlock Holmes” in the same territories in the same time frame, with the new film yet to open in 25 markets, including the Philippines, Australia, China, Brazil, France, Spain and Japan.
In the new film, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey), being the smartest man as always is obsessed with the new criminal mastermind at large – Professor James Moriarty played by Jared Harris.
That is the state in which Dr. Watson (Jude Law) discovers his old friend when he returns to Baker Street on the eve of his wedding to Mary. Holmes was supposed to arrange a stag party for Watson but instead, he finds he has reason to be concerned with Holmes’ obsessive behavior regarding Professor Moriarty. And everything becomes more complicated after meeting the gypsy Simza (Noomi Rapace).
Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… No one sees the connective thread between these seemingly random events-no one, that is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has discerned a deliberate web of death and destruction. At its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty.
Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to France, Germany and finally Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and moving perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and power but alter the course of history.
One thing I missed with Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is the exclusion of Rachel McAdams character (Irene Adler). I don’t want to be a spoiler but if you’re wondering why the American femme fatale was not included in the promo or poster credits, then you have to see it for yourself. For me, it is one of the heart-breaking part of the film.
The other girl, gypsy Simza is actually not as interesting as Rachel McAdams’ character. If you’re hoping for a love thing going on, sorry ladies, the movie is more on action, and when I say action, hardcore action!
The titular character created by Downey in the first “Sherlock Holmes” had defied convention. Gone were the once-emblematic deerstalker hat, curved pipe and posh British decorum, replaced by a streetwise, bare-knuckled brawler, whose physical prowess was equal to his superlative mind and preternatural powers of perception. And it sure works because this what makes Sherlock Holmes a must see film.
The only thing that I noticed in the film is its inconsistency with their prosthetic. The two will be be beaten and all bruised and the next scene, they’re healed quickly. But as the brawling gets tougher, that’s when the bruises stays and makes it more realistic. But that’s actually a small thing because what makes this movie interesting is that it makes you think and it’s sooo awesome I highly recommend it.
The sequel reunited producers Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. Bruce Berman and Steve Clark-Hall served as executive producers. Written by Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows also stars Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, and Rachel McAdams. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were created by the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and appear in stories and novels by him.
