Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the mischievous mystery-solver Holmes, and Jude Law once again plays his sidekick, Watson. This time around, the duo faces a noble adversary in the clever Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), who seems to have concocted a plan that will send Europe into war. Several side characters play integral roles—namely Holmes’ brother, the equally quirky Mycroft (Stephen Fry), and Gypsy fortuneteller Madam Simza Heron (Noomi Rapace). Mycroft is a dignitary of sorts, and therefore runs in quite different circles from his brother, circles that come in handy in these particular circumstances. Simza is dragged into the action to find her brother, who has somehow gotten caught up in Moriarty’s plan. The plot is actually even more convoluted than this makes it sound. Downey once again steals the show, but Harris plays an excellent villain. And director Guy Ritchie pumps up the action sequences—the train scenes are the best—and makes good use of his quick-cut, detail-shot technique when Holmes takes note of everything around him. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG-13