Rating of
2.5/4
Second Verse, Same as the First
Chris Kavan - wrote on 12/17/11
Here's all you need to know if you're on the fence about this film: Did you like the first one? If yes, you'll enjoy this one as well. If no, don't bother because it's pretty much more of the same with a few new faces thrown in for good measure.
Of course Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are back with that same love-hate relationship. Rachel McAdams shows up early on for what amounts to a cameo before bowing out (for good?). Joining our intrepid heroes is Noomi Rapace (of Dragon Tattoo fame) looking a bit more well-fed but just as spunky as ever as a Gypsy whose brother is entangled with an international plot. That plot is run by Professor James Moriarty - Jared Harris - who pulls all the strings to make sure war will happen, and he'll greatly profit off of said war. Also joining the fray is Holmes' brother, Mycroft, with a scene-stealing Stephen Fry, whose dry wit is perfect for part.
The story essentially boils down to Holmes vs. Moriarty, who, as the title implies, are playing a very deadly game - the outcome of which could have implications for the entire world. Moriarty is targeting various industrial, political and social leaders in an attempt to corner the market on various technologies and industries that would benefit from a world war. In order to dissuade Holmes from interfering, Moriarty goes after Watson and his new bride with a vengeance.
There are plenty of action sequences - from your typical knock-down, drag-out fight scenes - like the original films, Holmes sees how the fight will go down (in slow-motion) while narrating it in his mind, before actually beginning the real-speed action. I think they rely on this a little too much this time around, as by the time it rolls around for the final time, I just kind of rolled my eyes a little. In fact, the two scenes that stand out in my mind are the train sequence and the escape from the German munitions factory - both feature some large-scale destruction, a bit of Holmes trickery (again, with some slow motion) and even some attempts at humor despite, you know, the possibility of death.
The action, however, cannot make up for some of the rather hit-or-miss conversations that seem to pop up way too often to explain a piece of the puzzle or offer some insight that audience may have missed. Look - this is supposed to be a mystery - the first film did a better job of keeping that aire about, the sequel (other than the somewhat surprise ending) leaves little to the imagination.
Other bits and baubles - the music is adequate - nothing spectacular but nothing that destroys the scene either. The locations are a lot of fun from the Paris Opera House to a Switzerland castle - it's all very nice even if, I'm sure, a fair bit was done on computer. The overall quality of both acting and story are done well enough, I just wish things could have moved along a bit faster, and the ending is way too ambiguous (why the hell would you let one of the world's best gunmen, and an assassin for hire none-the-less, casually stroll off?). A third is probably in the works as we speak but they will have to do something a bit more original if they expect any higher praise from me. Entertaining but ultimately an empty experience.
