Sherlock Holmes (2009 Movie)

I'm a little late to the party here, I'm afraid. It seems most everyone has seen the brand spanking new, Robert-Downey-Jr.-and-Jude-Law-starring Sherlock Holmes, and liked it too. There's a reason. It's good.

These are just my thoughts. I'm not going to tell you the story, because that could give away some of the great twists and turns the movie has in store. And there are a lot of them. This reboot doesn't try to dumb down the characters of story for ease of audience enjoyment. If you hate thinking, leave the theater now. Watch G. I. Joe again, or maybe Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. They're fun, light entertainment that will leave a nice buzz that lasts all the way until you leave the parking lot. Will you remember most of what happens in a week? Nah, but that shouldn't bother you. I'm not being insulting, because those movies are a guilty pleasure of mine. But this is different. There is some great action, but Sherlock Holmes is first and foremost a mystery.

Holmes (Downey Jr.) is portaryed wonderfully, adding a nice edge to the eccentricity and brilliance already exhibited by the classic Rathbone. But the character is great, and could be no one but the great detective. I love the moments where the film lets you get inside Sherlock's head, with a nice wit and precision.

Jude Law's Watson is a very different bird from the original, but it works. Watson here is accomplished, able, and very, very smart. Jude Law turns the sidekick into a real partner, and for taking the risks he did, I commend him.

The film moves along at a good pace, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats with action, intrugue and humor. The mystery, while blessedly complex, could truly be solved by the audience. All of the clues are there, and they make sense... if you're as smart as Holmes. And every time you guess something right, you get to pat yourself on the back.

The film ends with solid setup for a sequel that could prove to be even better than the first, with a nemesis I need not name for all of you knowledgeable ones out there. I mean, it's elementary who it is. All in all, bravo to the cast and crew for delivering a great piece of entertainment.

My rating: 9.5/10

Coming Soon: Last Argument of Kings