In “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes, bringing all of his grandeur to the screen as the famous investigator with immense talent and layers of mystery.

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” opened nationwide on Dec. 16, bringing back an all-star cast for yet another delightful romp through author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world.

Jude Law returns as Holmes’ friend and colleague Dr. Watson along with Rachel McAdams, played by Irene Adler, as Holmes’ love interest/rival. Law is charming as Watson, adding the flair his fans have long come to expect. His romance with Kelly Reilly is moved to the next level, as she becomes Mrs. Watson.

Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of this classic tale and much-anticipated sequel is masterfully delivered and chock full of action once again. The cinematography is brilliant and leaves the viewer wanting more.

There are headlines breaking around the world with a series of coincidental events — or so it seems — until Holmes follows the string of unusual events that leads him right back to the sinister Professor Moriarty, played by Jared Harris. On the eve of Watson’s wedding, Holmes convinces him to take one last investigation with him.

In her first English-speaking role, we meet Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, who gained international attention in the movie “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” as a mysterious gypsy Sim, who befriends Holmes and Watson.

Many moviegoers may already anticipate the honeymoon is anything but typical as the sinister Moriarty is a menace to that getaway. Moriarty is clever but crazy and sure-footed without an ounce of conscience, proving to be a worthy opponent for Holmes. Moriarty is the type of character we love to hate. He’s a mastermind, always staying one step ahead of Holmes.

As the plot thickens, we are taken on a grandiose journey through France, Switzerland and Germany, filled with incredible gunfights that bring you to the edge of your seat as Holmes and his friends elude a crazed attack from Moriarty. The closer Holmes gets to the mastermind, the more his friends suffer.

In true Ritchie fashion, the plot is revealed in the latter part of the movie keeping the audience engaged along the way.

Ritchie, along with husband-and-wife writing team Kieran and Michele Mulroney, devise clever undertones of power, lust and intellect, making this movie a must see for those who enjoy a little humor amidst the intrigue. It didn’t disappoint this fan.

Rating: A+

To contact Yvonne Alex, email staffwriter3@occc.edu.