Sherlock Holmes (2009) review

Guy Ritchie, of Lock, Stock & 2 Smokin’ Barrels fame has unleashed Sherlock Holmes on the film going world, and the British sleuth may never be the same again. With actors like Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams starring in this movie, what could go wrong?

The movie starts off brilliantly by not going back to baby Sherlock or some other nonsensical origin story and instead drops us right into the middle of one of Sherlock Holmes fantastical adventures with Watson in tow. The wonderful pair are trying to stop Lord Blackwood from killing a woman. After Blackwood is captured, and hung, that is when the real story begins.

The trailer portrays Downey’s Holmes as a bit of a brawler, but that is only half right. While he does get into quite a few fantastically choreographed fights, the camera goes into Sherlock’s head, as we see the observation skills put to use as he plans out the outcome of each calculated blow. This, and many other parts show the amazing observational skills of the main character as they provide much more than a parlor trick.

The real jewel of the movie is not the action scenes which were fun, and it wasn’t the incredibly hot Rachel McAdams, it was the chemistry and witty banter between Holmes and Watson. The dialogue, which Guy Ritchie is so well known is on perfect display here and shows how talented Downey and Law are. It also shows the bickering and witty banter that comes from two characters who enjoy eachother's company, and maybe who spend a bit too much time together.

While the movie was very entertaining, it played very much like an episode of Psych, one of my favorite TV shows, where the observative detective goes through clues the rest of the audience can’t put together and strings along his partner to a fantastic conclusion and a wrap up for the rest of us who couldn’t figure out the clues. While the format of the movie was very basic, and simple, and maybe a bit clichéd, it was the execution that was nearly flawless.

Overall, the movie was very enjoyable, and a fun ride at the theaters on a cold day. I enjoyed how they set up the second movie, much the same as Batman Begins. I think, provided everyone returns, we could see a similar outstanding second act to a possibly incredible trilogy.

Overall, 7 out of 10.


FUN FACT: 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).