Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong
Released: 19/04/2010 (DVD)
Rated: 12
Sherlock Holmes is bought back to life with the help of the unstoppable Robert Downey Jr. Continuing his streak he presents us with a much different Holmes and one that you are certain to enjoy. Guy Ritchie helms the ship and injects the film with his raw, violent and uninhibited style with throwbacks to his Snatch days. For example the re-imagined Holmes is an underground fighter and gambler, which culminate in one of the film’s best scenes. Ritchie recreates Victorian London with a deal of authenticity and the audience can easily get lost in the elaborate set pieces. The plot although scattered with twists and turns is easily accessible and thoroughly entertaining even for those who are not familiar with Sherlock Holmes.
The story follows Holmes’s attempts to stop the evil Lord Blackwood (Strong) who has inexplicably risen from the grave to exact revenge on the British government. He must use his special powers of observation- which are a marvel to watch- to catch Blackwood before it’s too late. Complicating Holmes’s life further is Irene Adler (McAdams) his feisty ex lover who has her own agenda but also allows the audience to see a more sensitive side to Holmes.
Robert Downey Jr brings his usual charm and appeal to this role and is easily the best thing about the film and thoroughly deserving of his golden globe award. Joining Downey Jr is Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, the more level headed of the duo who finds himself easily roped into Holmes’s deadly plans. The chemistry between the two leads is perfect with both exuding charisma and charm and generating plenty of laughs. McAdams more than holds her own against the largely male dominated cast and is not just seen simply as eye candy. Although the plot maybe generic the actors make this a must see film that leaves the possibility for a sequel very much open.
Rickee Bhardwaj
Tags: jude law, rachel mcadams, robert downey jr, sherlock holmes
