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Created Dec 19, 2011 06:10PM PST • Edited Dec 19, 2011 06:10PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   Sequels often don’t have a great track record on improving on the original, but I’m happy to say that A Game of Shadows delivers. Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock is more animated and funnier – giving space for Jude Law’s Holmes to keep apace. Add to that more action, faster action, more humor, and more diverse hijinks, and you have a winner. Great fun that you shouldn’t miss.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   There isn’t much else to say about Robert and Jude – a match made in Victorian England heaven. Downey has an edge ever so slightly with his smugness, but Jude Other notables: Jared Harris makes an awesome smarty-pants bad guy; Stephen Fry – no pleasant to see naked, is however pleasant as brother Holmes; Naomi Rapace – fun times as the harder edged gypsy. As for Rachel McAdams – an untimely exit from the movie – would have liked to have seen more.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Was it me, or was there more of that slow-mo action sequencing stuff? Very cool, but especially so when used as Sherlock’s mental prequel to the action. I think the historical Sherlock was a bit smarter than Downey can pretend to be – but who cares – the kick-ass action makes up for it.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.8

17. Sex Titillating 1.8

18. Violence Fierce 1.8

19. Rudeness Salty 1.8

21. Reality

    Supernatural 3.1

22. Circumstantial Supernatural 3.1

23. Biological Supernatural 3.1

24. Physical Supernatural 3.1