Sherlock Holmes

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law) are called upon to investigate the strange resurrection of Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who seems to have risen from the dead to wreck havoc on London.

Review:

Tim: Guy Ritchie reinvents one of the most famous, iconic characters of all time in his supremely entertaining Sherlock Holmes. The story of Holmes has taken on many iterations over the years, but I am not sure this isn't the most entertaining of them all. I really, really liked this movie. It is extremely fun, humorous, packed with action, and overall, a fantastic way to spend two hours. However, despite my love for much of the movie, I think it falls just short of greatness. I hate to criticize a movie like this, because it is exactly what I want to see when I go to the movies. While not great, I desperately want more movies like this to be made.

Robert Downey, Jr. is fantastic as Sherlock Holmes. He is at his charismatic best, and I couldn't take my eyes off him in this role. He embodies the brilliance and intellect of Holmes, but also comes across as a deadly fighter as well. Holmes is really a fairly well rounded character. He is an accomplished fighter, but also among the most intelligent characters of all time. I loved how this was portrayed in the film.

Jude Law was absolutely the right choice for Watson. I was a little confused by this casting at first- it seemed an unlikely choice. However, his banter with Downey, Jr. is perfect, and among the funniest moments of the film. He gives such a good performance while restraining himself, so he never shines brighter than his costar. This takes a special kind of person, and Law pulled it off brilliantly. I love these two actors together, and I can't imagine a better person for this less glamorous but essential role.

I thought Rachel McAdams was fine in her role. I usually like her quite a bit, but I just couldn't get excited about her. Her character is a bit boring and doesn't make a huge impact on the film. McAdams' performance doesn't help much. She isn't bad at all, but just gives a completely normal, regular, routine performance. I didn't think she had great chemistry with Downey, either. Finally, I have to say I really enjoyed the performance of Mark Strong. Strong is kind of the go-to-villain of the moment in Hollywood, but for good reason. He has a menacing look and a dark streak that is undeniable. He was believable and enjoyable as Lord Blackwood.

This movie had some truly terrific moments. Perhaps my favorite moment of the film is the shirtless fight between Downey and some guy. I love this scene because it is one of the most brilliantly shot sequences I've ever seen. I absolutely love how director Guy Ritchie set this up. Holmes, in all his lofty genius, thinks through every moment of the remainder of the fight, including the offensive and defensive moments, complete with the physical and mental ramifications on the unlucky loser of the battle. Then, he carries that out exactly as he envisioned. I truly, truly loved this scene and it is undoubtedly one of the coolest moments I have seen on film in years.

There were a few flaws in this movie as well. I love the complicated, confusing plot, and I love how everything is explained very well in the end. However, I have to admit, for all the thought that went into this twisting, turning plot, it all seemed a little too convenient at the end. I appreciate that even the most supernatural seeming events had logical explanations, but it just felt a little too neat and tidy for me. I also thought the movie started out well, but lost a little of its momentum midway through. The plot is extensive and complex, but it is challenging sticking through it all, even though you know it will all make sense in the end. I thought some of the middle scenes could have been more engaging.

Despite some flaws, Sherlock Holmes is an extremely entertaining and fun movie. I am being a bit hard on it, but these are the types of movies I love, and I desperately hope more of these kind of movies are made. While I can't say this is a great movie, it was an extremely enjoyable one.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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