I wanted to see Guy Ritchie's new take on Sherlock Holmes ever since I saw the previews for it a few months ago. I love the character; love that he is a flawed, restless, addict. I have enjoyed the tales of Sherlock Holmes in their various forms all my life, even the underrated- in my opinion- 1985 Barry Levinson film "Young Sherlock Holmes."
The fact that Ritchie decided to make the latest incarnation an action film is icing on the cake. For pure entertainment value I dig the fast-paced, visually-stimulating, good vs. evil action genre. The lovely Mrs. Voldematt, obviously a purist, has expressed disdain for the concept of Sherlock Holmes as action hero. She prefers the cerebral, ponderous Sherlock Holmes. The Holmes who doesn't get dirty or, frankly, bloodied.
Tonight I ventured forth in the rain, son in tow- and later met by the Triumvirate's fanboy, Leland- to see Ritchie's take on Sherlock. There is action ab initio which, of course, I love. Robert Downey, Jr.'s Sherlock is a streetwise scrapper, always at the ready for a brawl. He is bored and restless when without a case, but there is no opium addiction in this one.
A recurring theme is Holmes' ability to assess an opponent and how best to vanquish him. This is played out first in the character's head with voiceover as Holmes decides the blows that will render the opponent neutralized. Immediately following, Holmes executes the plan to perfection.
Ritchie filmed in mostly gray tones, perfectly capturing the milieu of the seedy underbelly of Victorian London. The sets and special effects used to recreate old London are amazing.
Jude Law is an amiable Watson. He is the perfect BFF for a Holmes of the action genre. The villain Blackwood, played by Mark Strong, is creepy and sinister without resorting to camp. Rachel McAdams is the one weak link in the cast. I almost suspect the character was turned into an American merely because Ritchie realized McAdams couldn't pull off an English accent. While I loved her in "Mean Girls," she seems miscast here.
This slick, stylish, very Ritchie-esque Sherlock Holmes does not fail to entertain. The plot is interesting, the acting is superb, the camera work is rich, and the pace is perfect. There are no boring lulls in this one. I give it a solid A-. Enjoy!
Did you give it the A- merely on the fact that it was Rachel McAdams in the movie? LOL
ReplyDeleteI think an A grade and especially an A+ should only be given to truly exceptional films. I really liked "Sherlock Holmes," but I wouldn't call it truly exceptional. Rachel McAdams may have figured slightly in the grade, but not really enough to quantify.
ReplyDeleteThis is seriously brilliant! You should review professionally, especially considering you successfully and seamlessly incorporate the word "milieu" in your review of Sherlock Homles, of all films! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see my response tomorrow, but with this review to whet my appetite, I'm sure I'll enjoy what I'm given. I'll share my thoughts tomorrow when I've seen it.