Sherlock Holmes Review

Who’re you gonna call when the British Empire is threatened by a black-magician? Well, Sherlock Holmes, of course. At least that is what Scotland Yard’s detectives do in Guy Ritchie’s action-packed revisualization of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective, Sherlock Holmes.

After the resurrection of Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong), who was hanged on counts of black magic and the murders of multiple women, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) must stop the sorcerer’s plot to rule England. With the help of Holmes’s ever-elusive love interest, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the three solve the mystery of Blackwood’s apparent magical powers and cult following.

While fans of Conan Doyle’s original creation may see Ritchie’s visualization as too much of an action movie with a simple plot, the performances by Downey, Jr. and Law are enough to keep most harsh criticisms at bay. Downey, Jr. executes his role as the eccentric yet brilliant detective with amazing charisma, but refrains from showy theatrics or melodrama. His chemistry with Law overshadows almost any other aspect of the film. Their argumentative banter, foil personalities and conflicting lifestyles make for great comic relief throughout, as well as add fodder to today’s ever-popular “bromance” film genre.

Furthermore, Ritchie’s conception of Holmes’s deductive reasoning throughout the film is creatively realized. In problem solving incidents of both the physical and intellectual types, Holmes’s thought process is laid out before the audience as he plans his steps, only moments before execution. Ritchie takes advantage of this technique and incorporates his favored use of slow-motion, stylized action sequences. Yet, rather than seeming corny or out of place, this style only emphasizes Holmes’s meticulous observation skills and logical decision-making process.

The accompaniment of Hans Zimmer’s eclectic soundtrack, featuring banjo, cimbalom, violin and even a broken piano, enhances Holmes’s character through the chaotic and often jig-like score, heightening the suspense and the fun for the audience.

 With massive hints at a sequel (and rumors that Brad Pitt will play Holmes’s archenemy Professor Moriarty), Downey, Jr. and Law have helped Sherlock Holmes earn its blockbuster status and probable future success as a franchise.