Movie Review Rewind: Sherlock Holmes (2009)

On the latest edition of Movie Review Rewind, Brandon Vick flips the calendar back to 2009 for a look at Sherlock Holmes.

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The character of Sherlock Holmes was first published in 1887. So he has been around for quite some time. Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of Holmes and Doyle’s famous detective has appeared on television and in the movies long before 2009. But Guy Ritchie‘s Sherlock Holmes is not the Holmes from the past. He has been re-created, re-energized, and re-imagined as an action hero. And it is entertaining and a lot of fun to watch.

The talented Robert Downey, Jr. plays the title character and his faithful partner, Dr. Watson, is played by another great actor, Jude Law. Holmes and Watson are winding down their partnership because Watson wants out. He is getting married and wants to start a new life without any danger. But Holmes is not too fond of that idea and has a gift for pulling Watson back in to the thick of things.

This film does not start at the beginning. The film suggests that Holmes and Watson have been together for years and really are the best of friends. They have seen their share of cases, but they are perhaps getting ready to shut their last case closed as partners.

Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) is to be hanged and case closed. However, it is not that simple. He rises from the grave and wants to take over the world by using black magic and the most powerful weapon of all: fear. So, only Holmes and Watson can solve the case and reveal the truth about Blackwood and his ruthless plan to take down London and then the rest of the world.

RDJ plays a brilliant detective brilliantly. Downey has come a long way and practically can do no wrong. I think with this film (and it could easily become a franchise) and the Iron Man films, he has become one of the most in-demand and popular actors working today, and he deserves all of the success. Downey’s Holmes pays attention to detail and is too intelligent for his own good. He has unique skills and is a great observer, and that is how he has been able to solve such difficult cases. And with the help of Watson of course.

Downey is a lean, mean, fighting machine in this Sherlock Holmes. He is the great detective, but can kick some ass as well. Some of this is from Ritchie. He specializes in creating a story with action, but not letting it become overwhelming. There is still a commitment to Arthur Conan Doyle and to stay true to his characters.

It has been awhile since I have seen Law in a big project. A few years back, he seemed to be in every movie that came out. But then he took a break and did some theater. But now he is back and in top shape as Watson. You really believe the friendship between Holmes and Watson is genuine and that is all because of the incredible chemistry between Downey and Law. I look forward to seeing more of these two in the sequels (and yes, I believe there will be sequels).

Strong is the villain and he is creepy in a good way. His character seems to be non-human and full of magic powers. Blackwood is a great antagonist for Holmes and Watson. He has a history with the two and loves mind games. Blackwood is not just a one-dimensional bad guy. Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, a woman from Holmes’ past. She is the only person who can throw Holmes off his game. She uses what she has and is a con-woman in every way. She cannot be trusted…or can she? There is a history between Holmes and Adler, yet the details may be exposed in the next film.

Ritchie hit a home run last year with Rocknrolla. And he does the same thing this year with Sherlock Holmes. He stays true to the source but adds his touch and gives us an updated version of Holmes. But the story is still about his friendship with Watson and solving cases. It is just done in a more exciting way with more fighting and explosions.

Sherlock Holmes looks beautiful with the story taking place in Victorian London. It is quite a location even if most of it is done on a computer. Ritchie keeps the story fresh, and even adds some of his own touches in there, including Holmes imagining his attacks in slow-motion and then the actual attack is done in normal speed. It is cool and does not get old.

Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law are fantastic and really make the film. Their performances could have single-handedly ruined the film, but they are too good to let something like that occur. The film is fun to watch and as each clue is discovered, you are waiting with excitement for the next one to be found and for the truth to unfold.

Sherlock Holmes is alive and kicking thanks to RDJ and director Guy Ritchie. It may lack in real drama, but it has action, excitement, humor, and thrills. This film could have easily been released in the summer and been successful. But perhaps someone wanted to end the year with a bang. And they did just that.

Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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