Sherlock Holms: A Game of Shadows

So there I was wondering what I could do with some free time that I had. Of course I did one of my favorite things in the world, and then I went to go watch a movie. One of the good things about the Holiday season is the release of movies that didn't want to compete with the Summer releases. Its always a joyous time for me for many reasons and the movies just make it that much better.

Sherlock Holmes is a movie that starts with a bang. Literally it starts with a bang. Not mere minutes into the movie and there is a blast of rubble and smoke and all that flying out at you. I am guessing this is supposed to be more enhanced by 3-D which I don't disdain but would rather not shell out the extra dough to watch it like that. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is an action adventure flick that has Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Holmes and Jude Law as his trustworthy and ever loyal sidekick Dr. Watson. Moriarty, Holmes's nemesis is played by Jared Harris. The story begins where the last movie left off following the adventures of Holmes and Watson as they try to outplay and outwit the famous Professor Moriarty.

The acting in this movie is above par. Downey Jr. and Jude Law play very well off of each other and the interactions between Harris and Downey are little delights in themselves. The female actress in the movie, Noomi Rapace is a newcomer to American cinema but has been seen in other foreign films. This character, even with a significant role in the plot of the movie kind of fades into the background more often than not and gets lost. That is easy to do though when overshadowed by Downey and Jude Law.

This is a movie of action and adventure spiced up with some upbeat comedy here and there. There are some darker tones to the movie in parts but overall the movie maintains a fast pace and keeps one second guessing. If you enjoyed the first Sherlock movie then this one will be a real treat for you. The movie is worth a watch just to see Robert Downey Jr. in his element. If you aren't of fan of his or would rather take it slow then skip this one. Its fast and loud and might require some thinking, but the good thing is there are parts that don't require a heavy thought process and one can just laugh at that. Not exactly for a younger crowd, some of the humor could be a little crude so keeping to above the 12-13 age group is a good idea for this one.

The Muppets

   I was able to take my two youngest daughters to see the new Muppets movie.  I wanted to give my little girls a taste of what I grew up with.  A crazy zany way of looking at things.  The best part of the movie wasn't actually in the movie it was something my youngest daughter said to me.  Half way into the movie my youngest daughter who is five leaned in close to me and said, "Daddy, Kermit's eyes are always open, he never blinks".  I didn't have an answer to that.  I just laughed and told her to watch the show.
    The newest edition of the Muppets does not fall far from the mark.   There are musical numbers, dancing and the movie making fun at its own expense.  The comedy is slapstick and what else would  you expect from a bunch of characters created from felt and other odds and ends.  There are also stars a plenty in this one.  Some great cameos that I will not spoil but, the Muppets really do play on our Pop Culture and some of the classics as well.  To me thought it will always be hard to watch a Muppet movie and not think about Jim Henson.  Sad to know that many children do not know who Jim Henson is let alone what he has done to the world of entertainment.  They know his beloved characters but not their creator.  I think Jim Hanson would be happy to see the direction his Muppets have taken.
     Children will be brought into a world without the CGI and other effects that they have grown up with and will be delighted to see some of the basic methods of entertainment that a lot of people have seem to lost and not know how to make a good movie without all the CGI. As mentioned before there are musical numbers with singing and dancing.  Something that is refreshing is there is no crass humor, no foul language, and a love story that doesn't delve into the more carnal side of relationships.    If you are looking for action and glory, blood and guts, scares and thrills, or a more thought provoking thrill ride, then look elsewhere.  This story is for the Child within and without all of us.  If you are annoyed by slapstick humor or anything Muppet related, take the kids at least and let them enjoy it.