Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation, the amazing Sherlock Holmes, comes to the big screen once again. Holmes is played by Robert Downey Jr., with his faithful partner, Watson, played by Jude law.

The movie opens right in the action, with Watson accompanying a group of Scotland Yard’s finest preparing for a fight, and Holmes running through the city to what seems to be a warehouse - leading to the first of many amazing fights in the movie. The fight coordinator was Richard Ryan who also worked on The Dark Knight and Troy. Holmes mentally plans to attack one of the unlucky henchmen step-by-step then proceeds with the attack at full speed, making for a very realistic and satisfying effect. He soon makes his way to find to the villain, Lord Blackwood, in the middle of an act of evil. In an equally exciting display, Blackwood is captured and sent to jail where he is sentenced to hang. Strangely enough, the satanic Lord Blackwood still seems fully capable of getting his revenge from the grave.

The film is set in late 1800’s England. The sets are grimy and wet, much as one would expect the latter end of the industrial revolution to look. There was nothing too special about the gritty landscape, which was very fitting. Downey plays Holmes flawlessly, and director Guy Ritchie has given him a bit of a twist while sticking more closely to Doyle’s original version than many past adaptations have. Holmes, in Doyle’s stories had a bit of substance abuse problem and was nothing if not eccentric. Downey pulls this off well while not making the movie seem like one long bender. The character of Watson has his own twist as well. He is more Holmes’ partner and friend rather than merely an eager side kick, and is much more stout this time, even going as far as to strike Holmes in one of his more colorful moments. But he too has his vices - a bit of a gambling problem. Lord Blackwood is played by British actor Mark Strong who will also be next years Robin Hood. Blackwood is a fitting first foe for Holmes - being equally as intelligent as he is evil. Strong does an excellent job playing the slimy Blackwood.

The part of Holmes’ love interest, Irene Adler, is played by Rachel McAdams (Notebook and Wedding Crashers). Adler is a strong willed beauty from New Jersey with questionable morals and an intellect that rivals that of Sherlock himself. Adler is the perfect counterpoint to Holmes, being just enough outside of the law to keep him interested and being smart enough to stay one step ahead of him. McAdams also plays Adler with striking energy and precision, fitting well with, I think, what would have been Doyle’s vision. McAdams was reportedly Downey’s personal pick for the part (and who could blame him).

The movie is a wild ride, letting the audience try to figure out the mystery without being too cerebral. There is little to complain about in this movie. It will make for a great date movie with solid action and plot throughout, and without scenes that are too graphic. Sherlock Holmes is a great movie I wholeheartedly recommend.