SHERLOCK HOLMES (REVIEW)
Gone
is the little hunting cap, tweed coat and the long arched pipe. The super sleuth
has been reborn.
An athletic Holmes, more inclined to use his
fists as his powers of deductive reasoning than an oversized magnifying glass,
is portrayed with vigour by Robert Downey Jr. He looks to be having a huge amount
of fun, complete with stuffy English accent in a role he has described himself
as an intellectual superhero. Words are turned into a weapon of reasoning, but
if that doesn't work, a physical challenge usually unfolds for this gifted individual.
Rough
around the edges, but sharp as a tack, Sherlock Holmes' lethal skills as a martial
arts fighter comes in handy in what turns out to be a souped up Victorian era
crime story. Holmes and his investigative partner, Dr. Watson, share a close,
often hilarious friendship. Jude Law smirks as much as his cohort whilst delivering
equal measures of comic one-liners. This creates less of a personality and more
of an uninspired sidekick at times to the more convincing Downey Jr.
Together
they trudge around dark allies and dry docks looking for a mysterious murderer.
However, the crafty criminals that they are chasing seem to be immune to capture.
One particular suspect, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) is assumed dead, but after
signs of an apparent resurrection, the dubious lads begin taking things a little
more seriously. The local authorities are constantly confused - luckily Holmes
seems to be one step ahead. Right on cue during proceedings, a romantic interest
in the form of Rachel McAdams comes forth. Catching the attentions of Sherlock,
he finds out beneath the corset lies an uncertain individual who may or may not
be using manipulation to her advantage.
Directed by Guy Ritchie,
the Brit formerly married to Madonna, this is a good looking and well assembled
movie that has his distinct stamp all the way through it. However, it is nowhere
in the same league as his more modern crime capers, 'Rock'n'Rolla, or, 'Snatch'.
The slow motion bare knuckle fighting is pure Ritchie, as are various quips and
observations written into the script on their surroundings as the pair of sleuths
work their way in and out of trouble around old England town.
Some
of the locations look strangely familiar straight out of a Harry Potter movie,
but the recreation of the murky era amongst the cobblestone streets is production
design at its best. Not without its flaws, the drama is mixed with high energy
action sequences and an occasional digital effect is inserted to enhance the excitement
factor. A rousing musical score by legendary composer Hans Zimmer completes this
rip roaring ride that seems to be destined for a series of films.
Holmes
purists may want to stay at home, while fans of the character that author Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle created will wonder where the pipe smoking gentleman has gone.
For everyone else, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Shane A.
Bassett
