Even legendary Guy Ritchie hater Mark Kermode liked Sherlock Holmes. It can't really be called anything but a “cracking film”. A great script, excellent chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, and some kick-ass fight scenes made up for a slightly watery plot.
The plot was a bit bog-standard Victorian England – secret society, magical influence – but the visuals of Victorian England were super. Smoky, mysterious, busy – really evocative.
Robert Downey Jr was really excellent as the self-destructive, drug addicted detective. Clever, acerbic, and brutally jealous of Watson's fiance. Jude Law brought real energy to Watson's character (I know, I couldn't believe it either). Watson has tended to be portrayed as an idiot. But Arthur Conan Doyle wrote him as an intelligent and heroic man, equal to Holmes as a doctor, if not as a brilliantly deductive detective. It was great to see him give Holmes the kick in the arse he so regularly needs, to see his gambling, daring side, and also to see that he is as keen on getting into trouble as his partner his. Their byplay was easily the best part of the movie.
The fight scenes were really interesting – CSI style with a Holmes twist. Listening to him plot how was going to thump someone and then watching him execute it was a great plot device and well used.
Typical of Guy Ritchie movies – great supporting cast by English actors. Managed to spot Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lastrade (last seen playing the snorting Pancks in Little Dorrit) and William Houston as Constable Clark (last seen playing the yummy and heroic Dr Millais Culpin in Casualty 1909).
So, two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Amusing, adventurous – I liked Sherlock Holmes a lot.
Trailers: Book of Eli (Denzel Washington in badass mode, with a religious twist – ooooooh) and The Lovely Bones (based on the book, which I haven't read yet).
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