What follows is a ramble, even by my standards. But, even more pertinently, it offers an apology. From me. From Phil. From the whole of LFF Towers. We dropped the ball, and as a result, the UK (and our Swedish/Dutch fans – Hi Rob), didn’t bother to see Sherlock 2 as a result.
So… is the The End
?
I’ve had one of those email conversations, again.
Phil (herein The Chairman): So… what a waste of time the Oscars are this year. No Gosling, No Sale.
Me (herein… Me): Amen to that. Drive 2, though… What a Gift From The Gos that would be.
Chairman: It makes me pissed they don’t have a “Best Sequel” Oscar.
Me: I know it does, Sport. *ruffles hair*
Chairman: Because we all know what would win that, right?
Me: Fassbenders cock (herein Fassboner)?
Chairman: Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows.
Me: Oh, shit. I totally forgot about that. I loved it. I gave it a 4/5 on Facebook. And I don’t do that lightly.
*silence*
Me: I loved Deano’s review of it!
*silence*
Me: And… Um… Mikey P’s…
*silence*
Me: Matt’s? Mark’s? Mondo’s?
*silence*
Me: Fuck. I said I’d review it, didn’t I?
Chairman: *nods sagely*
Me: How do you nod via email?
So, that’s my 140 word way of saying Live For Films abandoned Sherlock 2. (“I’VE ABANDONED MY SON!”).
And I feel kind of shitty about that.
Every once in a while, The Chairman emails all at LFF Towers (even though we all sit opposite each other), and says:
WHERE ARE THESE REVIEWS?? YOU’RE MAKING US A LAUGHING STOCK. THE LFF AWARDS WILL NEVER BE BIGGER THAN THE OSCAR’S AT THIS RATE!
And then, he returns to his PC, and eats another biscuit.
Every once in a while he has a point, though. And we dropped the ball on Sherlock 2. Admit it, how many of you would have seen it had The Chairman endorsed it? I know I would have. And I *did* see it!
Sherlock 2 didn’t get much LFF Awards love, either. Everything adds up to it being this years cult film, that gathers a huge following on DVD/Blu Ray. You know, like Debbie Does Dallas, and Brick.
I personally loved it. I have the original on Blu, that if I’m honest, I really liked, but don’t think I’ve ever re-watched. Sherlock 2 ups the ante in all respects. It’s got a better villain, (Moriarty is brilliant), better banter, better set pieces – the lot. I’m 100% looking forward to the Blu, knowing I’ll rewatch it over and over.
The pacing is better, RDJ is superb – it all adds up. In fact, the final ten minutes are genius film making. I was enthralled, and couldn’t believe how well it was all shot. It just didn’t feel like a Guy Ritchie movie.
Guy and I go way back. We used to be drinking buddies in London, until he got all big time. We fell out when I said:
“I don’t really like Lock, Stock. Or the other one. Snatch, though. God damn. Y’all nailed that, y’all.”
I don’t think Guy liked my faux accent, or the fact that I followed it up with:
“Plus you made Pitt’s career go into orbit. The scene where he cries by the Pikey caravan? That’s better than the film deserves. He’ll never work with you again. He’s Malick quality now.”
I never heard from Guy again – so I’m genuinely pleased to see him doing well.
Or at least, his films doing well. because as I say, it doesn’t feel like a Guy Ritchie film to me. It’s like he’s… grown up.
There’s still the dog farting jokes (yawn), so one the other hand, he seems intent on reminding us… but he’s created a brilliant little world for his characters. And he’s expanded on it, making it seem vast, and.. well, real.
Now, I don’t read books. It’s a well-known fact I got my English degree (Yeah. I know.), by only reading one book. American Psycho. So, by that rationale, I don’t know anything about Sherlock. But, all I’d say is… “Go fuck yourself”. (That ones for you, Logan). What does it matter? Has (my mate) Guy bastardised Sherlock? Has he raped your childhood because he’s got his own take on the Legend? No. He’s made Sherlock fun. Engaging. And, as I say, enthralling.
There’s not a lot I’d trim from the film. In fact, it flew by. So much so, that the ending left me wanting more. Genuinely hoping Sherlock 3 gets the green light, and they tackle the one with Vampires. What? Wolves. I meant wolves.
If it’s still showing, see it. It’s better than you think. If you missed it, direct all complaints to:
The Chairman, Liverpool, England.
Me? I’m going to watch me some RDJ in Iron Man. I like to think of it as Sherlock 12, after he’s invented immortality, and a flying suit.
Staff off the streets, kids. And never do drugs.
