CRSwanson
"Ok, but it could've been so much more."
For the underappreciated screen treasures you love
A 2009 film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional character of the same name
< read all 35 reviews
Rating:
Several years ago my brother introduced me to the films of Guy Ritchie. Fun stories, insane amounts of gun fire and some serious profanity. I remember getting my first taste of Jason Statham and not being able to contain my excitement when a fight was about to break out on screen and he was in the scene. Sherlock Holmes brings elements of past Ritchie films and incorporates the style with a classic Holmes story. And just as I yelled for blood during his previous movies, I did the same watching Holmes kick some serious amounts of ass.
+4
I will be honest - I've never read a Holmes story, and if you're lucky I might be able to confess to reading one mystery story ever in my life. So going into the film I was at a bit of a loss when it came to what I expected. I knew he was an intelligent man, and looked forward to the witty comments and banter that the trailer so wonderfully teased, but aside from that the only reference point I had was Disney's The Great Mouse Detective, as I remember once being told that was what it was modeled after. Yes, you can go ahead and laugh. I'm quite shocked that I even remember the film from so long ago. But as the theater lights dimmed and the opening credits began to roll, I sat on the edge of my seat following the beautifully shot opening sequence as we were introduced to Holmes on the run.
Sherlock Holmes is a fun holiday release that will appeal to the family. It brings just enough action to the table to keep the suspense in motion throughout the entire film. The cinematography brought "classic London" to life. Downey Jr. and Law strolled down the streets of London in the later 19th century and the setting gave us the classic background with a new twist. Taking us to the top of the Tower Bridge during its construction during the final scenes of the film. Being a period piece with a story basis that is pretty well known, Ritchie gave us an entertaining story with some amazing fighting. Who knew Sherlock Holmes was such a badass...
The casting choices for Holmes and Watson was perfect. The witty banter played so well between Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. that it came together seemlessly and effortlessly. It seems that's with each role Downey Jr. takes on, the stronger he becomes and his expansive talent as an actor is brought out into the light. Their comedic timing played so well that between action scenes, I could not take my eyes off the screen because I wanted to see what stupid thing Holmes would be doing next that would irritate Watson. Rachelle McAdams was as lovely as ever in the role of Irene Adler. The costume design for her character put her in beautiful dresses that even I was jealous of, and I am not a fan of dresses. Mark Strong gave a good performance as Lord Blackwood. SPOILER ALERT: I felt that the trailers gave him a much stronger appearance and I feel that out of the entire film the only thing I felt that was lacking was the evilness and devious planning behind the "bad guy". Maybe it was just the subtle hints dropped towards what could be a second film and the next villain began to over power the villain we were watching, but I just wished that he had a little more something to him.
But all in all Sherlock Holmes is a fun film. It will keep the action lover happy, the mystery lover at bay, the romantic feeling slightly giddy, and the movie fan walking out of the theater with a smile on their face. Beware of the unconscious bulldog and strong women in the film. Once you've seen this film you will look at Rachelle McAdams with a new found respect for her acting and overall skills and talents. I for one never would have pictured her in a physical fight, but after watching her throw down, I for sure would not want to have to go up against her in a hand to hand fight... and can I just say that I cannot wait for Sherlock Holmes 2 to hit theaters later this year.
What did you think of this review?
Helpful
3
Thought-Provoking
3
Fun to Read
3
Well-Organized
3
Post a Comment
Scotman
March 25, 2011
Good review. This film made me interested in watching the old Sherlock Holmes TV series on our public TV channel, produced originally in England. Holmes acted very much as in this film. Overall an enjoyable film, but with Robert Downey Jr. appearing both as Iron Man and Holmes in the same year, I would have preferred a different actor. I'm hoping for a sequel with the bad guy Moriarty. I wrote my review at the time of release, here: http://lunch.com/t/6ilp
HDepew
March 25, 2011
I haven't read any Holmes mysteries so I actually don't know much of the back story. I will say that I was recently turned on to The Adventures of Young Sherlock Holmes as well as the classic Gene Wilder's The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Younger Brother.
show text editor
1
More Sherlock Holmes (2009 movie) reviews
review by Entwife.
December 13, 2010
Lord Blackwood, serial killer and black occultist, has finally been brought to justice. Returning from the grave only gives more weight to his already potent reputation, as well as his ominous predictions of what is to yet to come. Yet, Sherlock Holmes seems too preoccupied with the imminent loss of his life-long bachelor friend and valued assistant, Dr. Watson, to act effectively against Blackwood's schemes. Love seems to be the only thing to truly confound and successfully … more
Comments (2)
Compliments (68)
*** out of **** Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" stylistically reverses the intentions that we are to expect from both cinematic and non-cinematic outings starring everyone's favorite titular sleuth. While we're used to an intelligent, perplexing labyrinth of a mystery; Ritchie's attempted "update" on the character and the "Sherlock Holmes" universe itself presents us with a mystery that is almost decidedly simplistic yet creatively drawn out for a larger, more modern and mainstream … more
Comment
Compliment
Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and this character has clearly become a household name in the books of detective thrillers. Once again, Hollywood intends to re-imagine/revive/ re-issue the beloved detective under Guy Ritchie’s direction in 2009’s “SHERLOCK HOLMES”. Many folks would describe this movie as entertaining, fun and a piece of diversion. Diversion is such a loose word to use to describe a movie; after all even a shitty movie can … more
Comments (33)
Compliments (155)
review by jbeswick.
December 30, 2009
... while spinning in his urn, most likely. Robert Downey Jr once again proves himself to be the best actor of his generation and without him this movie would limp along, and its inconsequential paper-thin plot would be much more grating. Perhaps the biggest crime in the film is that Holmes - as a 2-dimensional vehicle for awesomely-intriguing detective tricks - is given a really lousy case that relies on some massive leaps of logic and an almost physic predictive ability. … more
Comments (22)
Compliments (125)
It's probably a good thing that I've never read a Sherlock Holmes story as I might have only gone into this movie with a laundry list of facts and tidbits and leaving the theater annoyed at how much was spat on if in fact it was. With what I know about Sherlock Holmes, being an urbane, professional, intellectual with his cap on his head and calabash in mouth, it was odd to see him a sweaty, dirty, fussy and unshaven pit fighting brawler with a dinky little pipe. … more
Comments (17)
Compliments (98)
SHERLOCK HOLMES I wanted to see this movie so bad because I have always been a fan of Holmes and of course of Robert Downey Jr. So I was a bit disappointed when I missed it in the theaters and had to wait for the DVD/Blu Ray release and all that. So as I waited some things went down but eventually it was released. So naturally I went out and had to own this even without seeing it. Still that didn't matter we all wanted to see it so off we went to view the new Holmes movie. … more
Comments (14)
Compliments (60)
Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) have just closed another case by capturing Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who has dealt with murder, and been very involved with black magic. Lord Blackwood is hanged for his crimes; however, after several months rumors begin to spread that he is in fact still alive, by apparently using more magic to keep himself from dying. When Blackwood's coffin is opened, it is found that another man is there, and Blackwood's … more
Comments (4)
Compliments (24)
As 2009 came to a close there were two movies in particular that were released that people had their eye on. The first was Avatar, James Cameron's amazing visual spectacle. The other was Sherlock Holmes, which dropped just after Christmas. When it came to Sherlock Holmes it was hard to say what to think of it. I rarely delight in movie previews and it's even rarer that I look at a preview and think to myself, "There's … more
Comments (3)
Compliments (52)
review by Dether.
January 05, 2010
A thoroughly entertaining take on Sherlock Holmes. A lot of UK critics seemed to have a downer on it, saying it runs out of steam, or the bromance elements of the Holmes/Watson relationship got tired, but I don't agree. The story for the most part cracks along, and Downey Jr and Law maintain the odd couple thing ably. Plus, some fans may be miffed at how the Holmes character is portrayed as a brawling, dirty scruffbag. As I understand it though, … more
Comments (6)
Compliments (48)
A little slow and boring to start but it gets better and has a very good and unexpected ending. Worth the watch for sure.
Comments (2)
Compliments (3)
About the reviewer
Hannah aka Angry Penguin (HDepew)
I am a film fanatic, constantly watching films new and old. When not watching movies I'm reading YA lit or sci-fi/fantasy novels, or working on completing my own book. If … more
Consider the Source
Use Trust Points to see how much you can rely on this review.
You
HDepew
Your ratings:
Recent reviews by HDepew
About this movie
Sherlock Holmes is a film starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. The film will be released on Christmas Day 2009.
Sherlock Holmes is a 2009 film adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional character of the same name. The film was directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. The screenplay by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg is based on Lionel Wigram's story and Doyle's characters. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law respectively portray Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The film was released in the United States on December 25, 2009 and on December 26, 2009 in the UK and the Pacific.
Genre:
Action,
Adventure
Release Date:
December 25, 2009
Studio:
Warner Bros Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures
First to Review
- About Lunch
- Press
- FAQs
- Contact Us
- Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
- Sitemap
- Report Abuse
© 2013 Lunch.com, LLC All Rights Reserved
Lunch.com - Relevant reviews by real people.