Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes

There was a buzz among some when it was suggested that Robert Downey Jr. was going to play the classic Holmes. I and several of my friends were hopeful for a film that would honor the books, and still touch upon the proper English nature that Basil Rathbone presented so well.

Then news that Moriarity would not be in the film. Then came the movie trailers. Full of displays of fighting and raw brute strength without a hint of the supreme logic that defines Holmes. And hopes were dimmed.

The fact that the film came out in December for the holidays was an oddity. One that became clear once the film is seen. It also explains why the film was not the stellar financial success than many other films featuring Downey and Jude Law have been.

Sherlock Holmes is the intellectual, logic bound, British character brought to the screen in the modern age. The essence of the books and the Rathbone portrayal has endured, and dare I say modernized just a touch.

There is of course CGI in the film. I don't think a film today can be made without it. But unlike most films where the CGI is meant to envision the fantastical, and endeavor that if unsuccessful ruins the film, here it is meant to add to the atmosphere. How else might we get to see London Bridge as it looked while being built?

In fact the set designs are spot on. The film captures the gritty, crowded, and lesser quality of life that the masses in Old London faces so many years ago. The washed out colors and general grays, add to the feel of the film, almost giving it a Black and White film feel, a touch of the classic. Which all sets the mood in a delightful way, so that you are absorbed into the world of the film and not jarred by it.

The plot also has to be commended. There are no obvious loopholes, no unexplainable events that mystically occur - due solely to the inability of a writer to think, a director to direct, and/or the interference of studios that just want to save a buck to maximize profit while providing the least enertainment possible. This film makes sense all the way through, and clues you in just when you need it to.

They even were able to fit in some humor and fights. Nothing so gratuitous as to be a Schwarzenegger film, but enough to justify the movie trailers that mislead action fans into seeing a thinking film. They even turned the tables and provided a mostly naked Downey for the females in the audience, while only hinting at the curves of the lovely Rachel McAdams.

So we must give some credit to the director Guy Ritchie. It's been quite some time since he had a film of the enjoyment of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. If he was looking for critical acceptance, and commercial success this film finally provides both.

The actors though are the real gems of this film. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law mesh perfectly as the bickering, odd couple of partners that are inseperable on a case. The 2 banter and move like friends that have known each other too long. And they provide in their scenes the physical and emotional respect and admiration Holmes and Watson share.

Rachel McAdams really shines as Irene Adler. She brings as much wit as flair to the role. A woman that is instantly remarkable for her intellect as much as for her looks. McAdams strides the line as a powerful female character that never crosses into a bitchy or shrieking annoyance most mistakenly view as a powerful lead.

I really love one other thing. Professor Moriarty is not revealed, either by sight, name, or voice. He is an unknown that might, possibly, be revealed in the second film of what could become a series of films much like in the 1930's or James Bond. Which would also mean that Mycroft could also turn up at some point.

I recommend this film if you are tired of all the movies that go boom from start to end. There's nothing wrong with a good action film, but on occasion being able to engrosse the more mature and thinking parts of the mind never hurts either. This film provides that fix.

**Side note - if we must see Moriarty (which I think is best never shown fully if possible since there are liberties being taken to change aspects of the characters) who would be best? Some are whispering Brad Pitt which I think would be deadly to the series. Someone more refined, and possibly a bit older but dashing. Perhaps George Clooney (if he can do the accent). If not him then maybe John Simms.