“Sherlock Holmes” is a film of both wit and action, with a plot line that is gripping right up to the credits, and one-liners you’ll be quoting for days. Holmes, played by Robert Downing Jr. “Iron Man, The Soloist”, reopens a case, as the sorcerer Lord Blackwood, played by Mark Strong “Body of Lies”, appears to have come back to life to destroy England after Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law “Closer, I Heart Huckabees” confirms he is dead. While contending with Scotland Yard and battling with Watson’s fiancé for his attention, can Sherlock Holmes crack the case?
Fear not, literary critics, both Holmes and Watson are well played and stay true to their literary characters. Many people are familiar with the Holmes character-a dauntless, brilliant detective who uses minute details to crack the most confusing cases. Equally well known is Holmes’ assistant, Dr. Watson, an upstanding physician and veteran. But these characters haven’t always been portrayed correctly. Holmes was not actually a swashbuckling, high-minded citizen, as he is often portrayed in other films. He did drugs, got into fights, and was altogether fairly unruly until Watson came along and cleaned him up a bit. In the film, his relationship with Watson is authentically portrayed and entertaining. Their frustration with each other and Holmes’ irritation with Watson’s impending engagement makes for many entertaining scuffles. Despite Watson’s frustrations with his eccentric friend, his loyalty never falters. Both Law and Downing Jr. are perfectly cast in their roles. They have an undeniable chemistry, which makes their interactions twice as entertaining and all the more believable.
Guy Ritchie’s directing in this film is spectacular. Often Holmes’ ideas are not only hidden from supporting characters, but also from the audience. This can lead to some confusion, but often creates a suspenseful and entertaining journey for viewers. Ritchie utilizes slow-motion to illustrate Holmes’ thought process, allowing viewers to understand both the physical actions of Holmes, but also his intellectual side. Along with excellent directing, the soundtrack, mostly compromised of energetic fiddle playing, compliments the film’s frantic tone, as Holmes and Watson struggle to solve the case before it’s too late.
Alas, even the greatest of films has imperfections. Ritchie’s recreation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic literary work has one minor flaw. Rachel McAdams’ (Wedding Crashers, State of Play) portrayal of Irene Adler, a criminal mastermind, was more irritating than interesting. Perhaps she’s been typecast as a love interest from her days starring in chick flicks like “The Notebook,” but McAdams doesn’t play the part of a cunning criminal convincingly.
It’s also sometimes difficult to understand what the characters are saying. It could be their accents, or speed of speech, but don’t let that discourage you, by the time the credits are rolling you’ll want to see it again anyway.
“Sherlock Holmes” should not be missed. Ladies: this film is great for a girls’ night if you don’t feel like a romantic comedy or drama. If you like plot twists, comedy and Robert Downing Jr. shirtless, this film is perfect. Gentlemen: it’s a great movie to see with the guys, or with a date. No matter who sees this movie, it will leave them begging for more. Will there be a sequel? You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that one out.
Rated: PG-13 Grade: A-