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Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England.
Robert Downey Jr.: Sherlock Holmes
I love Robert Downey Jr.; witty, funny and entertaining in his roles he takes on. Unfortunately, his character, though named after the Sherlock Homes invented by Arthur Conan Doyle, has almost nothing in common with his literary ancestor. This film's Holmes is a hyper-kinetic pugilist who excels at swinging hand to hand weaponry/guns/sticks, swan-diving into the Thames from the commons, and leaping about city buildings in a manner reminiscent of Prince of Persia.
Robert Downey Jr. read many Sherlock Holmes stories and watched The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes(1984) by Granada Television (starring Jeremy Brett) in order to learn more about the character. I do believe he should of given it more attention considering the end result.
The hyper-real Victorian London of the film's exterior shots has a very similar CGI feel to it; one amplified when it vividly depicts the Tower of London on the wrong side of the Thames, among other gaffes.
The set for Sherlock Holmes's home in this film was previously used as Sirius Black's home in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix(2007).
Also while filming a fight scene, Robert Maillet accidentally knocked out Robert Downey Jr.
Where is the cerebral intensity in Sherlock Holmes?, Where is the vibrant emotion?; Essential qualities to Holmes as an intelligent gentleman detective are sadly missing. A pipe appears precisely three times (Although this isn't the pipe Holmes smokes in the book), and a cigar but unsmoked. Jude Law's Doctor Watson shows little affection for or understanding of his friend Holmes and their little segments of stage business evoke nothing of the bond and chemistry essential between the two companions.
Other cast members include Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong ( who would of made a better Holmes), and Eddie Marsan.
Having said this; If a steam-punk action-adventure film that's built around three or four elaborate chase sequences appeals, Sherlock Holmes may be a fun way to spend an afternoon.
It's certainly a decent popcorn flick. Although if anyone who knows anything about, or cares very much for, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's immortal character they would be better off staying home and reading the book instead of this satirical screen incarnation.
So Guy Ritchie next time you make a film either cast an English hero for an English literary hero. Mark Strong being relegated to the villain here in itself is a crime, as is Jude Law as Watson. Next time make the sequel to Rocknrolla and leave Sherlock Holmes alone; The damage is extensive enough after this.
This is not elementary my dear Guy Ritchie...more Guy Fawkes abashment, disaster and flames for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle whom is crying in heaven no doubt.
5/10
