Film Review

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sir Author Cannon Doyle has finally finished spinning in his grave over this 21st century
version of his indomitable 19th century London detective. Think of the venerable
Sherlock Holmes and dependable Dr. Watson as a Starsky and Hutch duo minus their
1974 Ford Torino. Although they base the story in 19th century London, all their
behaviors and repartee are reflective of our modern slick action flicks. In fact, the most
outstanding aspect of the film is the recreation of London and Thames of that period.
The old Basil Rathbone renditions of Sherlock Holmes remade with these backgrounds
would be unbelievably striking. However, what we have are two brawling buddies and
their girl friends who prevent a major crime against the British government by the hanged
but reincarnated leader of the Temple of Four, Lord Blackford. The meticulous
deductions seem to lag well behind the constant intense fist pounding physical action,
which includes destroying a ship in dry dock. Why it took four writers to transform these
literary characters into a raffish pair of action heroes I am not certain. We also have the
mysterious Professor Moriarty lurking in the background. It is a dynamic action packed
picture worthy of the best efforts of the old Wild, Wild West team of Artemus Gordon and
Jim West.

Director: Guy Ritchie

Writers: Michale Robert Johnson
Anthony Peckham
Simon Kinberg
Lionel Wigram

Studio: Warner Brothers

Stars: Robert Downey Jr

Jude Law
Rachael McAdams

Rating: PG-13
Color
Running Time: 128 min
USA/Germany

Rating: 6

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Type: Mystery
Friday, February 19, 2010