Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes
Monday January 4, 2010
Sherlock Holmes is one of those literary characters that bring a clear image to mind with phrases including "elementary" and "deduce" thrown around at the mere mention of this beloved characters name. The central figure of a series of novels, Sherlock Holmes is the charming and brilliant freelance investigator who is far too clever for the world in which he lives while being far too flawed to be content within it.
Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character living in London in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century's who possesses an amazing mind and ability to find the rationale behind any situation which he applies through his detective skills, along with his best friend Dr. John H. Watson. Overall these two work together to solve the crimes of the century, all with cutting wit and a smartarse approach.
The case at hand for this latest adaptation involves the evil Lord Blackwood seemingly rising from the grave with the intention of taking over the world governments through the use of black magic. Of course, Holmes and Watson are on the case to put a stop to this while avoiding their own range of dramas and adventures in the meantime.
The film adaptation of this series of novels has been undertaken by Guy Richie of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels fame, and his style, while perhaps less violent in Sherlock Holmes, is undeniably present with fast talking characters, quick witted scenarios and high action sequences along with his infamous style of super-slow-motion fight scenes (think Brad Pitt boxing in Snatch).
Then we have the ever-charming Robert Downey Jr playing the title role of Holmes with Jude Law perfect as the straight man role of Watson, the two capturing the camaraderie of the characters with style and flair (and their good looks doesn't hurt). Supporting roles are strong and well-cast with the popular and appealing Rachel McAdams as Holmes' love interest and only person able to outwit him and Mark Strong as the dark Blackwood, capturing the malevolence of this mysterious character.
The reviews for this film have been positive worldwide and it is easy to see why with a great blend of charm, wit, intelligence, action and adventure and a classic "whodunit" theme running throughout. Although a word of warning, don't waste your time trying to figure the twist out before Holmes as the denouement is astounding and perfectly brilliant and quite frankly, too far out of us mere mortals league to even bother with. Simply go along and enjoy the ride.
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