Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes (2009)
The Sunday following Christmas, a few friends and I got the chance to join what seemed to be approximately a million other folks crammed in the sold out theater to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.
After several hours of reflection, I find myself at a loss for many words.
See? At the heart of my issue, like any fan of the genre, I had grown up on the TV and movie versions of the mid-twentieth century played by heavyweights such as Christopher Plummer in 1979’s “Murder By Decree” and most famously by Basil Rathbone in almost a dozen movies throughout the 1930’s, and 40’s.
In each of these earlier incarnations of Holmes was a puzzle solver who solidly preferred the “brain over brawn” approach. Enter this brilliantly done “reimagination” for the 21’st century and we find a Sherlock who’s just at home in a boxing ring as he seems to be in solving crimes.
… an action hero if you will, since that’s all the kids of today seem to be willing to pay for in the theater.
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes (right) with director Guy Ritchie (left)
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes (right) with director Guy Ritchie (left)
A story of many turns.
As anyone who’s ever watched a Sherlock Holmes movie — or even a Charlie Chan movie — can tell you, the plots and storyline are pretty deep and heavy, requiring the watcher to actually pay attention. This in stark contrast to most fluff movies of today and in my opinion, some of the best writing comes out of whodunnits.
2009’s Sherlock Holmes flick, directed by Guy Ritchie of “Snatch” and “RocknRolla” fame doesn’t disappoint. While you have the sneaking suspicion that you’ve figured it all out, there are still moments throughout the film with enough twists to keep it interesting.
At 2 hours and 14 minutes long, there are scenes which feel a little drawn out, but in the end, you’ll discover that each moment seems to be very much a part of the big reveal, which VERY reminiscent of the exact formula used quite successfully throughout the Basil Rathbone years.
Character Play…
Simply stated, Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams were almost perfectly cast in their respective roles.
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law struck a perfect chord as the somewhat arrogant Holmes and the begrudging brother-in-arms, Dr. Watson. You could easily feel both the near disdain and absolute reliance between the characters on screen.
McAdams came along and helped to complete the set, lending both a “double cross” and quasi-love-interest into the mix.
If I were to have one little quibble, it would be that there were moments where Robert Downey Jr. seemed to mumble his way through lines, but as others in my group pointed out, it was more than likely his interpretation of Holmes, as a brilliant strategist on the verge of insanity.
Either that, or I’m getting old…
In the end…
Even with all the “reimagination” going on to update the character to what we — as an American society — would accept in the theater, I really, really enjoyed this movie..
Much of the objections I expected going into the theater — such as it being more action movie than mystery whodunnit — were addressed, much the same way that 2009’s Star Trek presented us with acceptable reimagined versions of Spock and McCoy.
On a scale of 10, I could easily give this movie an 8. Subtracting 1 point for mumbling, and another for its sometimes lengthy scenes.
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Category: Featured Articles, Movies
Tags: 2009, action, Basil Rathbone, Film, Guy Ritchie, GuyRitchie, John Watson, Jude Law, JudeLaw, movie, movie review, mystery, Rachel McAdams, review, Robert Downey, Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes, whodunnit
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