Sherlock Holmes: A Game of "Senselessness"

     The second installment to the 21st century Sherlock Holmes film series is on par with the previous film, and nothing more. The film is far from deserving of the positive reviews and reception it has gotten thus far. Currently, it has made $250million world wide *roughly*. Why? Well, I don't have an answer for you. However, I am inclined to believe it's from the fact that children see it, or parents feel that it is a wholesome film to take the family to. In reality, it doesn't have anything that makes it a film worthy of grossing $250million.
     On a positive note, the film begins and stays true to Holmes' infamous use of disguises; however, this is as good as it gets. From here on in, the film becomes an action film with mediocre comedic elements. Sherlock Holmes is no longer a detective in this film. He fully becomes Jackie Chan fused with Neo from the Matrix. This is evident by the elongated action sequences that always seem to begin with Holmes imagining one, and only one, scenario on how the fight will go and what he will do. Oddly enough, it always seems to go that way. This constant, albeit unique for one-time use, film technique is played out throughout the film and becomes incredibly predictable.
     In terms of Sherlock Holmes the character, Robert Downy Jr. plays the insane version of Holmes that may be appealing to some, but a nuisance to many others. The problem with his portrayal is that it leaves the audience longing for some type of emotion from Holmes to prove that he is indeed human. Rarely does this side of him come out. This leaves a lack of audience investment in the character.
     As mentioned previously, this is strictly a mindless action film with no detective elements. The only time we see any legendary detective techniques from Holmes is when we are given quick shots of a room, leaving Holmes to put together the pieces instantaniously and solve the puzzle. In turn, this requires no participation from the audience at any time to follow the plot...or think. However, there is one instance where the film makes an excellent use of foreshadowing, but then takes it too far and botches it in the end.
     This hollywood action film is also littered with useless slow motion, which begins to take away from the severity and pace of the current action sequence. The film also leaves the resolutions to be carried out by Holmes simply claiming: "I knew this. So I did this to stop you", while never showing any of this on screen previously. Essentially, Holmes could have done anything to solve the case, and they wouldn't have had to show it to the audience (as they could just sum it up in the end with one quick sentence and flashback).
     All in all, Hollywoods outlandish take on the legendary Holmes is just what you would expect. Some will love the mindless action and fight sequences, while Holmes fans will long for Jeremy Brett and the intellectual aspect of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. 2/5 Stars