Movie Title: Sherlock Holmes
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Writer: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and Simon Kinberg; Based on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, Robert Maillet, Geraldine James, Kelly Reilly, William Houston, Hans Matheson, James Fox, William Hope, Clive Russell
Review: "The game's afoot!" The sinister Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) is using murder, fear, and black magic to tighten his grip on London. But don't worry, the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his valiant partner Watson (Jude Law) are on the case and ready to bring Blackwood to justice.
Director Guy Ritchie brings his unique film-making style and a kinetic energy to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic literary characters on 221B Baker Street. Holmes and Watson are brought back to the screen handsomely by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. These two have chemistry to spare as they solve crimes, capers, and mysteries and bicker like an old married couple in their off-time. Their relationship is truly the best part of this film, and the franchise. They're perfect for each other!
The superb supporting cast featuring Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, and Kelly Reilly really add unique quirky characters to the world of Sherlock Holmes. The only one that seems out of place here is Rachel McAdams. I think McAdams is a good actress, but I think she's miscast as an adversary and love interest for the astute Sherlock.
The production design and costumes give this movie a textured, lived-in look and feel. And the score from composer Hans Zimmer gives Sherlock Holmes a sound as unique as the character.
The action, along with the editing, gives the movie an energy that previous Holmes adaptions lacked. I especially like when Holmes gives the audience a breakdown of how he's going to physically dispatch a foe before he acts or he's picking up clues. It's a very slick way to show his intellect and prowess in all areas of his detective work.
I really enjoy this version of Sherlock Holmes. I know it's not the classic Holmes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's day, but it's entertaining, stylish, funny, and suspenseful; A great time, my dear reader. Case closed!
Fun Fact: Robert Maillet (Dredger) accidentally knocked out Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) while filming a fight scene.