Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

(2011, Guy Ritchie)

Not as crisply executed as the first film, this story follows an actual Holmes tale (the Final Problem) much more closely than the initial Holmes outing. Here we get to see Holmes square off with arch-nemesis James Moriarity (played by Jared Harris). There is some good action and fun banter between Jude Law's wonderful Watson and Robert Downey, Jr.'s Holmes. Noomi Rapace (of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo fame) works well as a gypsy fortune teller caught up in revolutionary politics. Paul Anderson as the diabolical crack shot Sebastian Moran is well cast. An enjoyable romp with a good score by Hans Zimmer. This film also introduces Stephen Fry (Jeeves and Wooster) as a brilliantly, nay definitively, cast Mycroft Holmes-- Sherlock's older, smarter brother. A surprising commentary on the rise of the military industrial complex. (6/7)

Trailer

On DVD: The Last Rites of Ransom Pride

(Tiller Russell, 2010)

Wow what's to say? This largely incoherent piece of crazy stars Lizzy Caplan, Dwight Yoakum,Kris Kristofferson, Scott Speedman, Jason Priestly, Peter Dinklage, Cote de Pablo, Blu Mankuma, Jon Foster, Morris Bird Yellowhead (Apocalypto) and W. Earl Brown (Deadwood). This movie is not good but the idea, the costumes (Wendy Partridge), and the effort are appreciated. A different take on a late period western. Watch this movie and listen to the director's commentary-- it is worth it. Humorous stories and a look at how such a weird mess of a film could be made. Plus boobs, etc.