The Detective of Baker Street Reborn

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are back. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as their legendary intellect. Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country. After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another case successfully. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dim-witted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler, and the mysterious Professor Moriarty. It's all knotted together, then unraveled with brio, by Holmes and Watson. There are fisticuffs galore, fiery combustion aplenty, and, yes, my dear reader, clever deduction.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr.,Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and Eddie Marsan. It was directed by Guy Ritche. Downey Jr plays with Holmes’ character delightfully, in a fashion not too far removed from Depp’s Jack Sparrow, so it would be difficult to imagine this Holmes as playable by anybody else apart from him. Watson too has had a makeover from the overweight, haughty and flappable surgeon we have come to expect. Jude Law brilliantly turns him into a capable and formidable opponent both physically and mentally, with a sharp mind and even sharper wit. This version of the Dr. John Watson will surely get the ladies approval. Although they had the feel of a Batman and Robin duo, Holmes decked out with his own utility belt, both characters are eminently watchable throughout and seeing them in physical action is often as real a treat as when they are using their brains to solve a less physically demanding problem.

Guy Ritchie's directorial style might not be quite the best fit for an update on the legendary detective, but Sherlock Holmes benefits from the elementary appeal of a strong performance by Robert Downey, Jr. Guy Ritchie isn't your typical director. He's very gritty. Known for his style, he has made films that are similar to Quentin Tarantino's work. His movies are original, which is another word for different and wacky. But does "Sherlock Holmes" live up to Ritchie's other movies? Nope. Fortunately, the two main actors add charm and wit to their characters making this a fun ride. Though purists may balk at Arthur Conan Doyle's literary world being manhandled into a blockbuster by never-subtle director Guy Ritchie, Downey has a winning take on Holmes: He's always on.

Stylistically you get a great look of old London here complete with horse and carriage through fares. Ritchie’s style is particularly good for this setting. The dirt and grime or the newly industrialised Victorian town is real and unquestionable. The scenes are brilliantly shot, thought ironically dark and filled with grays. It truly complements the dark theme, given that the movie incorporates dark magic, and is, first and foremost, a mystery movie.

May we never forget the enticing and eye catching love interest common in movies of the 21st century? Rachel McAdams climbs into the role of Irene Adler and knocks the audience dead with the character’s cunning, sense for danger and 19th century wardrobe. She ‘flirtishly’ introduces love and its power to the movie. Her character also adds mystery to getting into the head of the freakishly genius character of Holmes.

Another point we need to view is that there cannot be a good movie without good music. The music used complimented the movies genre of mystery and created suspense. The music added to the fun of the movie. The music in the movie is one of the best scores this year as Composer Hans Zimmer uses a banjo, cimbalom, squeaky violins, and a broken pub piano to bring out his notes. The music performance was truly worthy of its Oscars’ Nomination.

Thematically, the movie speaks to some rather serious issues of our times. At times, Ritchie and company try so hard to make sure this isn't your father's Sherlock Holmes that it comes across as, well, cartoonish, but the seriousness below the surface cannot be debased. Ever since 9/11, terrorism, fear-mongering and religious mysticism and fanaticism have become a more pronounced concern. Many politicians and preachers alike have been giving many of the run-arounds, trying to control us under guise of ‘expanding our boundaries’.

Overall the movie was entertaining to say the least; with unceremonious plot twists one leaves the theatre wanting and longing for the sequal; it's elementary my dear Watson, on to the next case!