There’s never a dull moment in Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes,” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. Lots of action, strong characters, humorous buddy bickering, and sumptuous Victorian London sets and costumes. The best reason to see this film is the chemistry between RDJ and Law, which fuels the subplot involving Holmes’ jealousy over Watson’s engagement and his plans to move out of their shared flat at 221B Baker Street. With the images of Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Holmes dancing in our heads, it’s a relief to see that Ritchie has a firm grasp of this revised Holmes and RDJ has the skill to play him. Yes there’s action and violence, but there’s also deductive reasoning and intellectual dialogue. And it’s not a problem that Watson is the most changed character (from the bumbling sidekick played by Nigel Bruce). Law’s Dr. Watson is a fully competent colleague with his own life and issues and he balances many of Holmes’ eccentricities, including a huge ego. It’s obvious why Holmes needs Watson; he just can’t admit it.
The plot involves a scheme by the villainous Lord Blackwood (the always effective Mark Strong), who aspires to control the world by assuming power in England. To aid him in this nefarious scheme seems to be the dark arts as Lord Blackwood appears to have risen from the dead. Holmes and Watson are on the scene to assist Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan). Several subplots come together, including one involving Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), an American con artist who has a pervious association with Holmes. When you reach the end, you see the obvious set up for a sequel. But you’ve so enjoyed spending time with the new Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson that you’re looking forward to doing it again. 12/25/09
1 comment:
I was very skeptical about this iteration of "Sherlock Holmes" with its CGI and high action. I was also afraid that Guy Ritchie and his modern approach to film- making would make huge changes to the iconic images I had of these timeless characters like Dr Watson. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome of this film and recommend it.
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