Rating of
3/4
Holmes Delivers Punch, but No Knockout
Chris Kavan - wrote on 01/04/10
Instead of relying on the tried and true origin story, this Sherlock Holmes starts off like it's always been around. One thing it isn't: boring. You have plenty of action, whether it's a bare-knuckle brawl or racing through an explosion at a butchers. There are very few down moments, and there is always a moment of humor or excitement just around the corner.
Yet for all the flash and visual wizardry, Sherlock Holmes is oddly forgettable - luckily they has the fortune to nab at a top-notch cast or this may have been a one-and-done. As it stands, it looks like this is most likely going to be the first in series.
I was never into Sherlock Holmes in either book or film. I have a general knowledge, but none of the details. I can see purists being outraged. This is not your classic Holmes. Sure, he still has the deduction, but he's a drunk who falls into a stupor when not in a case and isn't afraid to use his fists as much as his mind. Watson is by far the stronger of the two, keeping Holmes in check while trying to get along in his own personal life. The casting of Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law in the two roles is a boon. Both have fun with their respective roles, and it makes the movie all the better for it.
The plot veers a little too far into the supernatural for me. Sure, it's all explained in the end, but you would think these things could be revealed gradually rather than a huge glut in the end. Without researching anything at all, it seems plausible if outlandish. Mark Strong makes a decent villain, though I prefer the hulking Robert Maillet as the beastly Dredger.
Rachel McAdams is a sight as Holmes' old flame/rival. I wish they would have done more with the relationship, but I assume we'll see more of that in the future. As it is, she serves more of a diversion than anything else. There are inspired moments, when Holmes telegraphs exactly how a fight will go, and then plays out in real time, it's a treat. When he's analyzing people, from Watson's would-be wife to a shady organization, there's power behind the words. There was a lot put into this character, and it shows.
All in all, this is a very nice film to watch. It's visually intense and will leave you satisfied. However, it's a fleeting feeling, and you'll find yourself forgetting about it far too soon.
