The Flick:
Holmes is back in another extraordinary chapter that owns every second it spends on the silver screen. Robert Downey Jr. is once again kicking ass as the iconic Sherlock Holmes, and this time he pushes the character farther than in the previous film as he and his counterpart Dr. Watson (Jude Law) attempt to outwit the devilishly genius Professor Moriarty.
I'm extremely excited to say that Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is every bit as good as the first Holmes film. This time Holmes and Watson test the limits of their friendship, while following the clues left by Moriarty, who is doing his best to thrust Europe into war. Moriarty is the villain I've been waiting for. He is the perfect adversary for Holmes. Matching his wit, and finally giving Holmes a challenge fitting of his intellect. In general this film takes everything from the first film and ups the adrenaline factor. Guy Ritchie has really out done himself with this one.
It goes without saying that Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, but the rest of the cast is pretty amazing as well. For my money the standout performance of the movie goes to Jared Harris for his wickedly awesome Professor James Moriarty. He brought a charm to the role that has me hoping to see him in future sequels, providing it performs at the box office. Stephen Fry is another stellar actor that rocked the screen as Sherlock's eccentric brother, Mycroft, who enjoys prancing around his house in the nude. Of course Jude Law made Watson cool, and the supporting cast was fantastic. However, the one performance that felt a little flat for me was that of Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza Heron. She's sexy, and obviously does an adequate job, but compared to Rachel McAdams' Irene Adler she's as lackluster as pancakes without syrup.
I know this hyperactive super Holmes isn't for everyone, but I am totally enthralled by what Guy Ritchie and his team have accomplished with this franchise. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is absolutely a killer film.
The Blu-ray:
Audio/Video
The audio on this disc is pristine. It might just be the best sounding Blu-ray in my collection. The video is pretty stellar as well, but not quite on par with the audio. It is still a great transfer, but some of the darker colors seemed a little washed out at times.
Special Features
Maximum Movie Mode: Basically a video commentary track with Robert Downey Jr., this feature will appeal to fans of the actor an anyone that wants to be entertained. It's not as in depth about the filmmaking process, but it is damn fun.
A Game of Shadows Movie App: This is an app that can be downloaded to your tablet or mobile phone, and it unlocks more special features. However, I was to lazy to download the app and play with it, so you'll have to judge for yourself it is a worth wild feature. Call me old fashioned, but I enjoy my special features to play out in front of me on the boob-tube. Just saying.
Focus Points: A short collection of features that didn't really offer up much in terms of entertainment.
There is also a DVD and UV Digital Copy of the movie included.
The Flick Rating: 
The Blu-ray Rating:
I enjoy the types of films that used to dominate late night television in the '80s, spending time with my family, filmmaking, photography, Rubik's Cubes, Diet Pepsi, building old Shogun Warriors model kits, Canon cameras, comic books, AOR, coconut ice cream, mac & cheese, cold pizza, popcorn, nachos, UL Football tailgating, film festivals, reading, Barry Manilow (don't ask), films with both Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in them, Alf, Pac Man, 1979 Trans AMs, beer, Godzilla, Hooters (both the restaurant and ones girls like to keep hidden), and Bigfoot (he's real). I'm just saying.
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