Thanks for checking out our Sherlock Holmes review.
Genre: Action Adventure
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Staring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong
Released: December 25th, 2009
THE GENERAL IDEA
After finally catching serial killer and occult “sorcerer” Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner’s new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic – and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler
THE GOOD
Robert Downey Jr hits it again. His portrayal of Sherlock is that of a sloppy and reclusive social outcast. He doesn’t think like normal people do and it affects his ability to interact and express himself. As usual, RDJ gives us a “character” and not just another role played by him. This Holmes is a study unto himself let alone his involvement in this film. That works for me on so many levels.
The supporting cast works well too, with characters that are appropriately and physically appearing for that time period, you are immersed in the gaslight era. My worry was that this was going to mix too much modern with that period, but it doesn’t at all.
And the dialogue is beautifully played. The banter between Holmes and Watson is delicious. In fact most things Holmes says gets a range of a smile to an outright burst of laughter from me. So intelligently written and fun to watch.
The way they illustrate Holmes process of deductive reasoning is brilliant. Even hand to hand combat is broken down into logical deconstruction to come to a conclusion.
THE BAD
There is a plot device that I despise the use of in films. I wish there was a database that could look this up on, but I have seen it many times. The occult is always represented by a pentagram, and therefore their plot is always easily exposed by laying the pentagram over a map of the city to predict their next move.
Obviously.
Holmes is an utter genious and sees things other people overlook. Every detail matters and the smallest of them matter most. But they have to fall back on this cliche to catch the cult?
Horrible.
OVERALL
I did have a lot of fun watching this, and McAdams is always delish on screen so I’d watch a documentary about paint drying if she was in it. There is a subplot in the film that is subtle, but very much integral to everything that is going on, and that is introducing Holmes to his nemesis Professor Moriarty. Even though we do not see this person much in the film, he is controlling what is going on from the shadows (literally) and has his own agenda.
This just screams sequel, and I really hope to see one.
I give Sherlock Holmes an 8 out of 10
