Review of film: “SHERLOCK HOLMES”

2009, 12-21:

Review of film:  “SHERLOCK HOLMES”  

Director: 

Guy Ritchie.

Writers:

Characters:  Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson = Arthur Conan Doyle.

Screen story:  Lionel Wigram & Michael Robert Johnson.

Screenplay:  Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, & Simon Kinberg.

Stars: 

Robert Downey Jr.

Jude Law

Rachel McAdams

Mark Strong

Eddie Marsan

Robert Maillet

Geraldine James

Kelly Reilly

William Houston

Hans Matheson

James Fox.

Original Music by: 

Hans Zimmer.

MPAA: 

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.

Quotes:

“You wear a jacket.”

“The little details are of far more importance—.”

“Traumatize solar plexus.”

“What you’re drinking is meant for eye surgery.”

“You have the great gift of silence.”

“I love what you’ve done with the place.”

“Death is only the beginning!”

“She would sit on your back and paddle up the Thames.”

“No girl wants to marry a doctor who can’t tell if a man is DEAD or not.”

“I’m psychologically disturbed.”

“A fortune, ruled by us.”

“What a crazy appearance you’ve had.”

“I feel safer already.”

“She loves an entrance--.”

“…‘Fear’ being the most powerful weapon of all.”

“Professor Moriarity found her weakness.”

“Command [the] radio waves.”

MY Rating: 

8.5 of 10 stars (based on advance screening of the 128–minute film).

It’s less “Elementary” than “SECONDARY”, My Dear Watson!…

Guy Ritchie has brought his typical high-ENERGY handiwork to this Sherlock Holmes story set around the 1860’s:  ROBERT DOWNEY JR. plays Sherlock, who’s a brilliant but often disorganized “consultant” to Scotland Yard…

…  In this tale, Dr. John Watson (JUDE LAW) is more a friendly PARTNER than a sort of “underling”, & they have frequent disagreements as Holmes in-effect is living at Watson’s home…

…  As the story starts, both guys are trying to foil the efforts of a group of crazed killers of young women, who turn out to be led by Lord Blackwood (MARK STRONG).  But, when Holmes turns him over to Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan) & Constable Clark (WILLIAM HOUSTON), Blackwood seems to control the “minds” of some of the police & stages a frightening “TRICK” on the populace during & after his supposed demise…

…  At one point, an ex-flame of Holmes, Irene Adler (RACHEL MCADAMS) arrives back in his life, causing considerable upset and confusion… 

…  That seems somehow linked to the “ESCAPE” of Blackwood, & the film starts becoming an increasingly involved spiraling of science, threats to the public, and oft-frantic efforts to figure out what’s “GOING-ON” with Blackwood’s secret society and how Holmes & Watson might “STOP” what’s happening…

…  In the midst of this, Watson tries to get closer to his love, Mary Morstan (KELLY REILLY)--  which Holmes keeps trying to “DISCOURAGE” for various “private” purposes… The story intertwines religion, then-“new” SCIENCE, and POLITICS to create a vibrant “chase”-based action-thriller in an enjoyably-typical Ritchie-esque flavor…

…  What are the real hidden “GOALS” of Blackwood & his group?…  What are the roles of Sir Thomas (James Fox) & Lord Coward (HANS MATHESON) in all this?…  Whose “side” is Irene really on, & who is she taking “orders” from?… 

…  Will Holmes be able to “divide” Watson from his lady friend?…  Will Holmes & Watson get AWAY from those pursuing them?…  Who will “save” London & the “world” from the machinations of the secret society?!…

…  This film is unusually EFFECTIVE in combining humor, drama and action, all the while “wrapping” it in a lively “ATMOSPHERE” of a time long gone…

…  The settings and music & special effects are impressive, the actors all perform especially WELL (particularly Downey & Law together), & you shouldn’t be surprised if you see this become an ongoing “SERIES” of such films (because there are loads of “touchstones” for possible future SEQUELS inherent in it)…  [And indeed, a sequel is set for release in 2011]…

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