I was very pleased with the way in which Watson's new bride added to the proceedings. Loved her scenes with Mycroft. I hope they keep her around in future films.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Review and Discussion
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Absolutely loved it! As is my custom, I was reading the reviews while waiting in the lobby to see it. The negative reviews given by the critics shows a real disconnect between themselves and the average viewing public. This is the first movie I have ever attended where the audience actually clapped at the end!
The pacing is excellent, with a good amount of action balanced with the story. The actor performing as Moriarty was superb and an excellent balance to RDJ's Holmes.
The pacing is excellent, with a good amount of action balanced with the story. The actor performing as Moriarty was superb and an excellent balance to RDJ's Holmes.
You're right. I was shocked too. I was thinking, "But wait, that;'s supposed to happen..." and then it hit me. "Oh..."
A Game of Shadows pulled in $40 million to take the weekend box office but down significantly from the original's opening . The Box Office though lately has been really bad over the last couple of months.
Now that you mention it. They clapped at the end at the cinema I watched it in too. The crowd was really with it and seemed to have a general knowledge of Holmes canon, particularly when Holmes changed his mind and decided to go to Switzerland. The air was sucked out of the room at that moment. We all knew what was coming
I love that kind of movie going experience.
I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I think I prefer the first just a tiny bit more. This film is quite a bit darker and doesn't have the sly sense of fun that the first did. I thought the forest scene, while good looking, was also rather self-indulgent. Still, I don't really have too much bad to say about the movie (except maybe that Noomi Rapace needed more to do) and it was still a good time.
I saw the movie with my brother and sister.
First, there was no Batman teaser or anything. This is is Kelowna, BC, Canada.
Second, we went in expecting it not to be as good as the first. The critics all seemed to be saying the same thing. While I found the story of the mystery not as good or intricate as the first, I found it over all a much more fun movie. There were so many funny lines, the audience was laughing throughout, and yes there was applause at the end.
I didn't see the first one more than once in the theatre (but have seen it many times on disc). I plan to see this one again during the holidays and will recommend it to everyone!
First, there was no Batman teaser or anything. This is is Kelowna, BC, Canada.
Second, we went in expecting it not to be as good as the first. The critics all seemed to be saying the same thing. While I found the story of the mystery not as good or intricate as the first, I found it over all a much more fun movie. There were so many funny lines, the audience was laughing throughout, and yes there was applause at the end.
I didn't see the first one more than once in the theatre (but have seen it many times on disc). I plan to see this one again during the holidays and will recommend it to everyone!
Loved this movie.. Was a lot of fun and very funny. The nod to "Two Mules for Sister Sarah" in both the soundtrack and the visuals was lost to most people in the theatre, but it got a big guffaw from me... Had to explain it to the wife, which was a little embarrassing.. LOL...
As a long time fan of the books, the last scene with Watson at the Typewriter was a bit disappointing to me, as it would have worked better as an after-the-credits scene IMHO. Also, I would have liked it better without the reveal... But perhaps they will save the reveal to Watson for the third movie. If there's a third, that is...
As a long time fan of the books, the last scene with Watson at the Typewriter was a bit disappointing to me, as it would have worked better as an after-the-credits scene IMHO. Also, I would have liked it better without the reveal... But perhaps they will save the reveal to Watson for the third movie. If there's a third, that is...
I think the movie should have ended after Watson opened the package, just as comprehension spread across his face. I admit to guffawing at the reveal, but I get why people dislike it and if it had to be included at all, it probably should have come after the very end of the credits.
I really liked it. A very worthy sequel that expands on the original in all the right ways. Moriarty was good. Good humor. Good action.
I only wish they used my favorite quote:
As you are aware, Watson, there is no one who knows the higher criminal world of London so well as I do. For years past I have continually been conscious of some power behind the malefactor, some deep, organizing power which forever stands in the way of the law, and throws its shield over the wrong-doer.
I only wish they used my favorite quote:
As you are aware, Watson, there is no one who knows the higher criminal world of London so well as I do. For years past I have continually been conscious of some power behind the malefactor, some deep, organizing power which forever stands in the way of the law, and throws its shield over the wrong-doer.
I loved the reveal! I was so shocked and surprised that they would kill Holmes off. When Watson received the oxygen thing, I wasn't super surprised because I half expected some indication that he somehow survived. But the full reveal came I thought it was absolutely hilarious and actually fit in well with this version of Sherlock.
Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I liked the movie showing Watson's thought process in trying to figure out who the assassin was. So many references were made throughout the movie about Watson learning Sherlock's methods and becoming a good investigator himself, the scene with Watson analyzing everyone in the room was brilliant in my mind.
Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I liked the movie showing Watson's thought process in trying to figure out who the assassin was. So many references were made throughout the movie about Watson learning Sherlock's methods and becoming a good investigator himself, the scene with Watson analyzing everyone in the room was brilliant in my mind.
I probably would have preferred a more ambiguous ending except for the fact that I love those camoflage suits!
(Although, even with the oxygen tank & his incredible reflexes, it still really strains even the laws of movie physics that he could have survived that fall at all.)
Agreed. I was so enchanted with the Sherlock/Irene chemistry in the 1st movie and the potential for her to have more adventures out there somewhere that I almost would have preferred her total absence from this movie over killing her off. It's my single biggest irritation with this movie. But I got over it once I realized how exceedingly simple it would be to resurrect her. (Considering she's outsmarted Sherlock at least 2 or 3 times now, she's fully capable of fooling Moriarty as well.)
I'll probably need to see the movie a few more times to solidify my opinion on it. At first glance, I don't think it's as good as the 1st one. It's definately a lot of fun and Stephen Fry is a hilarious addition as Mycroft but I don't think this kind of sprawling continental action suits Holmes so well. He's at his best in the claustrophobic confines of Victorian London. I missed Inspector Lestrade.
Also, I seem to be one of the few people who liked Lord Blackwood better than Moriarty. Blackwood's plan was more interesting & more intricate and Mark Strong has a stronger screen presence than Jared Harris. However, I loved the scene at the end where Moriarty outthinks Sherlock during the slow-mo fight scene.
Noomi Rapace had absolutely nothing to do and was pretty boring while doing it. However, she looks very sexy wearing men's hats.
Yeah. She particularly pales in comparison to Irene Adler.
My main reaction to the Batman trailer was with the scene on the football field. Uhhh, touchdown?
It's a very strange trailer, particularly for a sequel, in that it posits lots of strange new ideas & themes while barely touching on any of the familiar Batman elements from the last 2 movies. But leave it to Chris Nolan to throw us another curve.
(Although, even with the oxygen tank & his incredible reflexes, it still really strains even the laws of movie physics that he could have survived that fall at all.)Agreed. I was so enchanted with the Sherlock/Irene chemistry in the 1st movie and the potential for her to have more adventures out there somewhere that I almost would have preferred her total absence from this movie over killing her off. It's my single biggest irritation with this movie. But I got over it once I realized how exceedingly simple it would be to resurrect her. (Considering she's outsmarted Sherlock at least 2 or 3 times now, she's fully capable of fooling Moriarty as well.)
I'll probably need to see the movie a few more times to solidify my opinion on it. At first glance, I don't think it's as good as the 1st one. It's definately a lot of fun and Stephen Fry is a hilarious addition as Mycroft but I don't think this kind of sprawling continental action suits Holmes so well. He's at his best in the claustrophobic confines of Victorian London. I missed Inspector Lestrade.
Also, I seem to be one of the few people who liked Lord Blackwood better than Moriarty. Blackwood's plan was more interesting & more intricate and Mark Strong has a stronger screen presence than Jared Harris. However, I loved the scene at the end where Moriarty outthinks Sherlock during the slow-mo fight scene.
Noomi Rapace had absolutely nothing to do and was pretty boring while doing it. However, she looks very sexy wearing men's hats.
Yeah. She particularly pales in comparison to Irene Adler.
My main reaction to the Batman trailer was with the scene on the football field. Uhhh, touchdown?
It's a very strange trailer, particularly for a sequel, in that it posits lots of strange new ideas & themes while barely touching on any of the familiar Batman elements from the last 2 movies. But leave it to Chris Nolan to throw us another curve.
I saw it this afternoon and really enjoyed it, Jude Law and RDJ both do great in their roles and chemistry between these two characters. I sort of wish the movies(s) were less gun-fires and explosions but, in the end, it was a good movie. Loved the chess game between Holmes and Moriarty near the end, especially with them calling out their chess movies rather than actually manipulating the pieces. I also liked the certain air of "authenticity" of the movie, namely with the rough make-up Holmes had in his disguises and stuff along those lines.
Perhaps he timed it perfectly!I probably would have preferred a more ambiguous ending except for the fact that I love those camoflage suits!
This was a great movie from beginning to end. Holmes vs. Moriarty was attention-grabbing, especially the climax. The appearance of Holmes's brother was interesting. The Holmes-Watson dynamic was good as always. And the scene when Sherlock briefly laid eyes on Watson before taking Moriarty down with him...one word: beautiful.
I believe Irene isn't dead and may have slipped herself an antidote in case she happened to drink poison. She already suspected the possibility of Moriarty poisoning her when she told the waiter to give her fresh tea, thinking Moriarty poisoned the tea that was already on her table.
I believe Irene isn't dead and may have slipped herself an antidote in case she happened to drink poison. She already suspected the possibility of Moriarty poisoning her when she told the waiter to give her fresh tea, thinking Moriarty poisoned the tea that was already on her table.
The only thing we have to go on that Irene is dead is the word of Moriarty. Not exactly the most reliable thing, wouldn't you agree? The fact that Holmes never actually saw her die (merely imagined it when told) gives them plenty of opportunity to bring her back if they desire (which I hope they do.)
I seriously doubt that Irene would still be alive. When one watches how meticulously Moriarty works to make sure everything goes according to plan and to ensure that all loose ends are tied up, I seriously doubt that he would make a mistake as major as letting someone he was trying to kill survive. The only three "screw ups" that Moriarty made the entire movie was Watson and Mary surviving on the train (he likely didn't expect Holmes to go after them and screw up the plan), having his red book swapped (didn't realize that anyone knew what his book was for or that Holmes would know to swap it or survive to get out of the factory), and not expecting Holmes to sacrifice himself to take him down. He was ruthlessly efficient in everything else he did and I doubt he would make a major mistake like that without any outside interference.
Besides, you'll remember tha Moriarty said that he infected her with an aggresive strain of tuberculosis. While I don't know the accuracy of there being a strain of TB that kills more or less instantly, the TB cure in the real world wasn't even found until the 1940's.
Besides, you'll remember tha Moriarty said that he infected her with an aggresive strain of tuberculosis. While I don't know the accuracy of there being a strain of TB that kills more or less instantly, the TB cure in the real world wasn't even found until the 1940's.
I saw this last night and it has jumped to being my favourite movie of the yearr. Just an excellent film. I felt it evolved from the first film considerably in all aspects. RDJ and Jude Law are an incredible Holmes and Watson and not a beat is missed from the first film. Jared Harris was a wonderful Moriarty. Genius. Devious. Uncaring. Dangerous. Rachel McAdams turns in another delightful performance (I too don't think she is dead but this could change given McAdams unclear contract status for the third one. I realize now why they kind of downplayed her role in the film). I think either suggestion given in this thread is acceptable. She could have faked her death and Moriarty was attempting to deliver an obvious psychological blow against his foe or she's really dead and we have the same effect. I absolutely loved the ending. Oh Stephen Fry was AWESOME as Mycroft. Noomi Rapace was stunning as Sim as well. I am going to be following her career, been in love with her since "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo". I also enjoyed how they incorporated Kelly Reilly as Mary Watson in this one. Yeah I have no real complaints about this one. I'll be seeing it again Sunday night.
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