The trailer for the sequel to 2009′s (somewhat surprisingly) good Sherlock Holmes has just been released, and taking after its precedent, it’s looking pretty strong. Out this December, Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes 2: Game of Shadows (by way of the trailer) seems to have capitalized on everything that made the first one good– quick dialogue, a smart and complex plot, and the captivating chemistry between the two characters in the film’s most important relationship, the one between Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law)– and has even upped the ante this time around by ostensibly including many more action scenes.

Wait a second, now. Could this sequel potentially be the intellegent action film that we have all been waiting for (well, since Beverly Hills Cop)? God, I hope so. It seems that the trend nowadays is to have mindless action films (ahem, Shoot ‘Em Up), or thinking thrillers (if you can call them that) lacking the scenes of action we all know and crave, a la last summer’s Inception.

I am also happy to report that Rachel McAdams will be returning, because well, who doesn’t love her? Welcome additions also include the surely soon-to-be international movie star Noomi Rapace, who played Lisbeth Salander in the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, and funny man (no, really, an honest to God funny man) Stephen Fry, of A Bit Fry and Laurie– the sketch show he did with good friend and present-day Dr. House, Hugh Laurie– fame.

With Guy Ritchie back as director, I think we may have a sequel that betters the first! Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows is out December 16, 2011. Watch the newly released trailer below: