The story of Sherlock Holmes is legendary. He is known throughout the world for his unorthodox brilliance and captivating presence. So when news hit that Guy Ritchie was going to direct a new film about the world's most famous detective, you had to wonder if the former Mr. Madonna would be up to the task. After seeing "Sherlock Holmes", I am pleased to say he certainly was.
The story finds Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) several months after his last case. He is disheveled and unruly, and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law) is leaving their home to be with his fiance. However, Holmes is thrown back in the game when Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), a mysterious and powerful man with ties to the occult, rises from the dead. With the help of Holmes' old flame Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the two team up once again to take on a foe who seems to have magic on his side.
Purists may cry foul when seeing the legendary Sherlock Holmes become an intelligent version of an action hero in the new Guy Ritchie movie, but Ritchie has done an excellent job of keeping his visual fast-paced style while also including the intelligence and mystery that has become second nature to any Holmes story. In fact, the blending of this intelligence and action is what makes this film stand above the typical blockbuster fare. Several times during the film we are given a look inside Holmes' head, seeing the next several moves he will make. This visual style works to great effect as it engages the audience in the method behind the brilliance.
I don't think anyone could have more perfect for the role of Sherlock Holmes than Robert Downey, Jr. His roguish charm has helped re-endear himself to the public through films such as "Iron Man", and in "Sherlock Holmes" he is no different. Downey, Jr. is both tough and intelligent, and his mannerisms are spot on. As Dr. Watson Jude Law brings a rationality that is matched by his loyalty to Holmes. He knows that a more stable life is waiting for him, but he follows Holmes into adventure and danger with a reluctant loyalty that in the end is never second guessed. The chemistry between Downey, Jr. and Law is impeccable. Strong is frighteningly effective as the evil Lord Blackwood, while McAdams is fine as Holmes' love interest.
"Sherlock Holmes" is the type of film you would expect to see come out during the summer: it's got action, adventure, suspense, romance, and above all a high entertainment factor. That it came out on Christmas is a bit surprising, but the film is able to succeed during the heavy handed Oscar bait season by providing something that the Oscar hopefuls can be a little short on: pure fun.
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