"Sherlock Holmes"

I grew up reading the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes and watching the various television and film versions of the super sleuth’s adventures. I bought my ticket with the hope of being whisked away into the foggy streets of 1890’s London with that giddy boyhood feeling I used to get. Guy Ritchie puts his signature on the first fifteen minutes of the film with his trademark narration and frenetic style, smoothing out the bumps just before I had to reach for my anti-seizure medication. Then I was in it. The smile creeping onto my face. Bravo to Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer for their incredible production design and set decoration (respectively).

Much as he was the anti-hero in Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. is the anti-Holmes in this modern update. He’s slovenly, unhygienic, boorish and devilish. A far cry from Basil Rathbone’s upper crust and gentlemanly portrayal of the character. But it works. At least for me it does. He is perfectly believable in the role, British accent, six-pack abs, penchant for underground boxing and all, and delightful to watch as always. Jude Law is Dr. John Watson and I actually liked him in this part. After growing weary of his over saturation in recent years, I found myself back on the right side of the Law. His chemistry with Downey is undeniable, filled with great banter and sprinkled with undertones of true caring and friendship. Mark Strong’s strength comes from his subtlety in his wonderfully evil performance as the villainous Lord Blackwood while Eddie Marsan gives a notable performance as Inspector Lestrade. Unfortunately Rachel McAdams seems to fire and misfire as Irene Adler. Her character is the object of Holmes’ affections; mainly because of the way she handles herself in a street fight. And I could see why when those scenes played out onscreen. But in the more intimate scenes, I felt she lacked a certain sultriness. It almost felt as though she was withholding. Perhaps intimidated in the presence of Robert Downey Jr.’s greatness.

Holmes must track down a criminal mastermind who has seemingly come back from the dead. Meanwhile, Watson, who is trying to distance himself from his partner in the interest of getting married, keeps getting drawn back into the mystery and intrigue of the case. The movie is filled with some very raw and very fun fight sequences immersed in a storyline that has everything from secret societies to the dark arts. It’s like Sam Spade walked into a Harry Potter movie.

The end result is a triumph for deductive reasoning and a triumph for Guy Ritchie. For me, Sherlock Holmes was most certainly worth the price of admission.