Everyone knows that the sequels are usually not as good as the original… right? Most of the time that is true. This time however, the second incarnation is actually better. Sure, the critics and fans panned Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and many wrote at off a pale imitation of the last film. I am here to tell you however, they are wrong.
Sure, Holmes purists, like myself, do not count these films as anywhere near the top interpretations of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories. I mean, Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t hold a candle to the Jeremy Brett version or even the Basil Rathbone verson. What I did like about these stories were the sequences in which director, Guy Ritchie breaks down what is going behind Holmes’ thought processes during fight scenes. Lots of fun action with an intelligent twist.
Though I am still not totally buying into the Jude Law Dr. Watson, it is beginning to grow on me a bit. Overall, I must say, this sequel was written better and ultimately, paid homage to Conan Doyle much closer in the characterization of Moriarty.
RATING 7 out of 10
Stephen Spielberg‘s War Horse was one of those films that, from the previews, appears to be a great film. I was expecting a sweeping drama with expansive scenery and tug-at-your-heart emotional appeal. I got it – sort of.
It started off very weak and I thought, “wow, I have been duped by great trailer editing into seeing a cheesy little film.” Well, that was until it was about 1/3 of the way along. Something happened during all that cheese ball setup – I bought in. I got hooked and ended up going along for an emotional and inspiring ride. Sure, it was cheesy at times, but you can’t argue with the end result.
It was indeed a great film. No, not one that will go in the Top 100 of all time, but a good film that you will be happy to have seen. It has sweeping drama, expansive scenery, tug-at-your-heart emotional appeal and the benefit of being a well-done period piece. I won’t spoil the storyline, but it is a good one.
RATING 8 out of 10
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