Sherlock Holmes

The modern update of the classic Sherlock Holmes character is, though ambitious and sure to displease at least a few fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ingenious detective, a highly entertaining action movie, while retaining the title character's core essence as a methodical and brilliant sleuth. The displeasure will likely come from the new, pugilistic side of Holmes, though I would argue that this, for the most part, is well integrated into the movie without coming off as forced or heavy-handed. The film does suffer a bit from some uneven supporting performances, but you probably won’t notice too much thanks to the always outstanding Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, who work superbly with each other throughout the movie.

The fights and explosions, when they do appear on screen, are exaggerated and stylized, but actually don’t happen as frequently as preconceived notions based on previews might lead you to believe. There’s a proper balance struck between the adrenaline rushes and the careful detective work, though both suffer a little in their respective executions. The violence sometimes become too self-aggrandizing and over-stylish, so much that it starts to detract from the movie as a whole when particular scenes prove to be largely unnecessary (as is the case with a hysterically over-the-top explosion). The detective work is present, but not fleshed out until the film’s final act, when Holmes puts everything together for us. I understand the aim, but having the entire plot dumped on you in a matter of minutes is a little much.

Robert Downey Jr. sells Sherlock Holmes as an oddball detective-fighter with ease. He exudes confidence and swagger throughout, while still remaining completely likable. It's a nigh perfect popcorn movie performance, buoyed by Holmes' methodical, scientific approach to fighting itself, which proves to be a clever touch that helps to make such a radically different interpretation of the character believable. Downey Jr. and Jude Law, playing Dr. Watson, have great chemistry throughout. Law plays the begrudging but unflinchingly loyal friend willing to put up with Holmes’ eccentricities, and does a fantastic job of it. The villainous Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) is brooding, but lacks the supernatural terror that his character intends to impose on his victims (and the audience). Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, Holmes’ intellectual foil, love interest and occasional damsel in distress. She never quite clicks with the rest of the movie, and seems unconvincing and out of place much of the time.

Guy Ritchie’s bold new take on Sherlock Holmes is far from perfect, but with Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character, it’s pretty difficult to not enjoy the movie in some respect. If you go into the theater expecting nothing more than to be entertained, I highly doubt that you will leave disappointed.