Enola Holmes 2 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Enola Holmes 2

This action mystery movie will be available exclusively on Netflix on November 4, 2022.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 9 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The game is afoot! Fresh off the triumph of solving her first case, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) follows in the footsteps of her famous brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), and opens her own agency – only to find that life as a female detective-for-hire isn’t as easy as it seems. Resigned to accept the cold realities of adulthood, she is about to close shop when a penniless matchstick girl offers Enola her first official job: to find her missing sister. But this case proves to be far more puzzling than expected, as Enola is thrown into a dangerous new world – from London’s sinister factories and colorful music halls to the highest echelons of society and 221B Baker Street itself. As the sparks of a deadly conspiracy ignite, Enola must call upon the help of friends – and Sherlock himself – to unravel her mystery. The game, it seems, has found its feet again.

THINGS I LIKED:

I got a kick out of the first Enola Holmes movie, so I was hoping this whodunnit sequel would be as good. It was! I really enjoyed it, especially because it incorporated the true story about the 1888 matchgirls’ strike, as well as Sarah Chapman who was a real labor activist.
While the first Enola movie was based on the book series by Nancy Springer, this film was an original story.
I love the cast that features Emmy-nominated actress Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, David Thewlis, and Louis Partridge. After seeing Susan Wokoma in the first Enola Holmes movie, it was fun to see her also cast in the new Amazon Rings of Power.
Fun fact: in the movie, Sherlock is seen kicking a newspaper board that shows the headline “Bank of England raises interest rates.” The movie debuted on Netflix just a few days after the bank really did raise interest rates!
The issue of white phosphorous causing typhus was a real thing. It was known as phossy jaw. It took many years for white phosphorous to be banned, even after the connection was made.
I love that Enola Holmes breaks the 4th wall. That is usually a device to let the audience in on the secrets of a movie, yet we are still surprised to see how the story twists and intersects.
Are you ready for a third installment in this franchise? I am!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some viewers might dislike the female empowerment element of the story. Enola’s personality is very stubborn with a “know-it-all” attitude that makes her less appealing and charming to some.
Adults may say that this is just a kid’s movie.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes don’t like the way he is softened, vulnerable, and less capable than he is usually portrayed.
Some of the sets look like set pieces. We’re often reminded we’re watching a movie.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

People are in perilous situations
We see several dead bodies
Fighting
Guns, knives, and various weapons

THEMES:

The power of a mother’s word
Family
Workers’ rights
Critical thinking skills
Friendship
Murder
Crime
Loyalty

FUNNY LINES:

INTERESTING LINES:

“Those who can turn to others when they’re in need are the truly brave amongst us.” – Edith

“Too many people make it their sole purpose in life to fit into the world around them. This is a mistake. It’s your path.” – Eudoria Holmes

“My lords, reform is not a task to be accomplished, nor a bill that can be passed. Rather, it is a constant need for change.” – Tewkesbury

“Sometimes, you’ll stumble. Sometimes, you’ll fall. But no matter how lost you feel, if you stay true to yourself, the path will always find you again.” – Eudoria Holmes

“It’s remarkable what can be done when people underestimate you.” – Mira Troy