Sherlock Holmes (2009)

This review may contain mild spoilers.

Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most recognisable detective of all time - some might also argue he is the most recognisable and popular character in English Literature since Shakespearean times, with the possible exception of Ebenezeer Scrooge. As is the case with many other books or popular comics, a lot of movies and TV series have been made about Sherlock Holmes, and so with every new one comes the question of how exactly good is it, does it live up to the original, and do they keep to the main characters.

Having seen Guy Ritchie's new version I can tell you the answer is a simple 'yes'. The plot is sound, it definatly lives up to the original text, taking from it everything neccesary and making the main characters as recognisable as possible without walking too far into fan-service and effectively alienating for the non-fans, a la Star Trek. The script is pretty good, the musical score is great and the dialogue is memorable, but the real joy is the acting and chemistry of the two leads: Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law.

The pair work incredibly well together, nothing feeling too forced nor too over the top. Jude Law plays incredibly well as Dr. Watson, playing not as the common bumbling fool but as a fellow collegue and at points, intellectual equal to Holmes. Downey Jr also is amazing - appearing not just as a know-all detective but as a childish, obsessive, borderline autistic brilliant madman, living up to the phrase 'brain and brawn' and doing it extremely well. It really is great to watch the two of them, both displaying gravitas and depth to the characters pretty much unmatched by most films this year.

Mark Strong also plays the part of the main antagonist Blackwood very well - portraying a rich man with everything he could need dabbling in the occult, in order to attempt to change humanity and the twist at the end is unexpected and very well done indeed, but at times it becomes obvious that Blackwood was meant merely as a set up to the bigger villain (Moriarty) in the next film - effectively Scarecrow or Ra's al Ghul to the Joker. Rachel McAdams puts in a great performence too as Irene Adler, Holmes' love interest who managed to outwit a smitten Sherlock twice. Also a joy to watch.

Overall: A great film, with the acting prevailing out. Downey Jr.'s great, Law is occasionally better, Strong is terrifying and McAdams is hot. What more do you want? :P

9/10