"Excellent!", I cried. "Elementary", said he.

Image of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" - Warner Brothers Studios

"It's so overt, it's covert."

Guy Richtie willingly returns back for another whirlwind round to waltz with the English literary classic, Detective Sherlock Holmes. Once again, the story follows the guideline - “crippled war veteran teams with eccentric drug addict, become inseparable friends and together fight against evil in the British Isles”.1 You know, the same old typical Hollywood story. This modern take of Sherlock is not like your grandfather’s version of the character. No more of the sophisticated, high-brow, stiff-upper-lipped Sherlock whom best portrayed by the likes of Basil Rathbone and Peter Cushing. With Robert Downey Jr. wearing the metaphorical deerstalker cap, Sherlock has become a sexy, pompous, spoiled playboy who rejoices his barefaced masculinity, but more importantly, is a Jack-of-all-trades in self-defense. Almost like another celebrated English superhero, James Bond. This version of the man is more how Watson describes his partner, rather than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mature illustration. His physical attributes, though, are Guy Richtie’s own cinematic liberties. Surrounded by lustrous and voluminous costumes that mark the Late Victorian society, Downey’s rendering of the protagonist is more of a modern, “Steampunk”, 21^st century man with his 5 o’clock shadow and bohemian outfits. Yes, Guy Richtie has visually sexualized Holmes with moments like fist-fighting sans shirt or donning a skin tight body suit as a disguise, however he stills keeps his witty traits of cunningly using chemistry, forensics and elaborate analytical skills to solve a problem. Walking into Richtie’s adaptation doesn’t need high expectations of being an intellectual picture, but more of a fun, Blockbuster adventure to openly voyage on for a few hours.

The entertaining part of the film for me was having my own opportunity to play Detective. While Sherlock is playing a cerebral chess game against Professor Moriart, it is best to keep one step ahead in order to crack Sherlock’s outrageous strategies. You never know what is up Sherlock's sleeves ... or under his hat, in pockets and gloves too. Other moments that make Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows a thrill ride goes to the gut-punching editing. For example, the Matrix-like slow motion FX during pain inflicting brawls and exploding warfare. With the use of blue filters plus slick camera movement for cinematography, it reminds us viewers how bleak and assailant it was in England circa late-1800's. In order to survive, you must stay on your wits and toes.
You can’t have action without a dash of comedy. Some of the best “bromance”, to use modern slag, are moments that involve outlandish situations between Doctor Watson (Jude Law) and Holmes. I.e. Train attack scene plus Sherlock's disguises - Peter Sellers inspired. In this sequel, it should be noted that Watson is no longer Holmes’ subservient “Igor”. Don't fret for he’s still very much Holmes valuable sidekick, to the point of being a bickering old married couple, nevertheless, he has his own estimations that matter just as much as Holmes'. Watson is very much Holmes better half therefore Holmes cannot properly function without him. This is amplified by the fact that Watson finally marries his fiance thus leading Holmes to drastic behavioral habits such as drinking embalming fluid. Women or no women in their personal lives, these two are two peas in a zany pod.

To conclude this review bluntly, without panache or flare, I’d say go see Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows when you want to escape from any madness in your life. It’s silly, upbeat, sly, action packed, mysterious and unusual. I could rant about how women are treated unfairly throughout the film and are punished for having their own strong characteristics, but I’ll keep it light and say that Noomi Rapace as Madame Sizma Heron is someone to keep an eye on. If anything, enjoy Sherlock’s flamboyantly shameless brother, Mycraft Holmes, and his gaudy personality. A certain scene is certainly a nod towards Austin Powers. In the end, I would investigate that this film will lead to a good time had by all.

Restaurant Recommendation: Fox and Goose Public House

Though they do serve traditional British fare such as fish and chips, pasty and Cornish beef hash for lunch and dinner, however my favorite grub to nosh at Fox and Goose is their breakfast. There is nothing like the comforts of a full plate, gluttonously displaying treats such as: eggs, bangers, English country potatoes and your choice of an English muffin, crumpet or scone smothered in Welsh rarebit cheese sauce. An Englishman would joyfully declare, "it’s bloody good!" A few months ago, dining on Fox and Goose's morning nourishment substance, was my first experience with a scrumptious crumpet smeared with the sweet Devonshire cream, also known as clotted cream. It may clot arteries, but I am willing to take such delicious fatality. This ace pub, located on 1001 R Street in Sacramento, offers various live musical performances as well as a wild Pub Quiz on Tuesday evenings. One day, I would love to go back, sit back with a pint of Guinness and inspect attending patrons. I'd like to think that Sherlock Holmes with approve Fox and Goose's kookiness and buoyant lifestyle. Pip-pip!




1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/18/sherlock-holmes-game-shadows-review