Sherlock Holmes

We all know what happened the last time Guy Ritchie decided to stray from his comfort zone. The result was Swept Away and the least said about that cinematic travesty, the better. It’s plainly obvious that Ritchie isn’t to everybody’s taste either. Regarded by many as a Mockney with a big ego, he seems to anger as many critics as those who embrace him.

I quite liked Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and really enjoyed Snatch. Rock N’ Rolla was a blast to watch, too. I don’t think Guy Ritchie is the saviour of the British film industry but Swept Away and Revolver aside; he has made three films that are hugely entertaining if you don’t take them too seriously.

Sherlock Holmes isn’t a complete departure for Ritchie; it’s still set in London, has its fair share of fight scenes and is laced with dark humour. However, it is enough of a change for alarm bells to start ringing. After all, Holmes is a much-loved character. Arthur Conan Doyle’s books have fans all over the world and Guy Ritchie’s name isn’t exactly the first to come to mind when talking about potential directors for this project. Ritchie hasn’t really tried to bring the classic embodiment of the detective to the screen – there isn’t a deerstalker in sight. This Sherlock Holmes is a very modern man. The clue in what to expect comes from a quote directly from Ritchie himself:

“Conan Doyle wrote popular novels, and we’re trying to make an entertaining, accessible movie.”

The key word here is ‘accessible’. While true Sherlock Holmes fans may well enjoy the show it has to be said that this is a film made for the masses. This newest Holmes film isn’t based on any of Arthur Conan Doyle’s books; we are given a completely original story. We join the duo as they catch serial killer and sorcerer of the occult, Lord Blackwood. It seems Holmes and Watson can close yet another successful case. However when Lord Blackwood returns from the grave, Holmes finds himself having to deal with black magic, a feisty femme fatale from his past, and the idea that with Watson about to get married: their partnership may be coming to an end.

If you are one of those people that are pining for a Basil Rathbone-alike you might as well steer clear of this one. Robert Downey Jr.’s Holmes is a completely different breed of detective. He plays the sleuth like an historical John McClane and many purists will be put off by this transformation. Holmes does as much Victorian London brawling as he does actual sleuthing.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all and Downey Jr is wonderfully eccentric in the lead-role. He clearly relishes the part and he treats us to a charismatic portrayal. His eyes dance around maniacally when he is onto something and it is without doubt a performance drenched in pure joy. Jude Law may not be the quintessential Dr Watson either but as the straight man to Downey Jr’s unhinged weirdo he works perfectly. I don’t think I have ever witnessed Jude Law being as likeable as this. You get the feeling that Watson has long since suffered Holmes and his strange ways but love’s him as only a best friend could. Downey Jr. and Law have great chemistry together. They argue like school kids or better still like an old married couple and it never gets boring watching them try and get one up on each other verbally.

Rachel McAdams is a suitable feisty female. She plays Irene Adler with gusto and gives her action sequences her all. It’s always nice to see a female love interest that may not be everything she seems. It’s easy to see why Holmes would fall for this wily criminal. She is as aloof and mysterious as he is.

Mark Strong is quite impressive, too. His Lord Blackwood is a very suave master of deception and for fear of giving too much away I won’t go into any more detail. The film’s fight scenes are laced with humour and are reminiscent of silent comedy slapstick.

The script is very good and populated with great one-liners from our two heroes, massive action set pieces and moments of hilarity – the film rarely loses pace. At over two hours, having such a fast-paced script is a necessity, and it’s testament to the screenwriters that they managed to hold my attention throughout.

While the smaller less-flashy special effects impress the film falters on the larger scale ones. There are moments when the CGI is just a little bit ropey. These are noticeable because most of the film is so very well made that they stick out. The film's one major flaw however stems from the fact that it all just seems like a two-hour trailer for the inevitable sequel. The entire story seems to have been written to lead up to an ending that leaves it open for the next chapter and you can’t help but feel a little cheated.

It iis hugely enjoyable ride from start to finish, and forcing the proposed continuation of the story onto the audience, isn’t needed at all. I would have watched the sequel anyway because I enjoyed the first so much. Guy Ritchie has most definitely made his most accessible film to date and working from other people’s scripts clearly suits him.

It’s a fast paced period romp with its cast firing on all cylinders. Reading initial reactions I can already see that the film has divided opinion quite quickly but I for one loved it. In my opinion Sherlock Holmes is the perfect antidote to those post- Christmas winter blues. Don’t take it too seriously and you will find a delightful, entertaining piece of cinema.

Rating:  

US Release: 25th December

UK Release: 26th December

Australia: 26th December

Tags: Arthur Conan Doyle, Guy Ritchie, Jude Law, mark strong, Sherlock Holmes, warner bros