Crazy on the Outside

Sherlock Holmes is the reinterpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles classic Sleuth as seen through the eyes of Guy Ritchie (Snatch, RocknRolla). This isn’t your fathers Sherlock Holmes, There is plenty of action and style to go with the mystery as well.

Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) is on the case to find out how Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who he previously captured, was able to rise from the grave after Watson (Jude Law) pronounced him dead at his hanging. The story revolves around Holmes lost love Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) wanting to employ Holmes to find a “Ginger Midget” who was working for Blackwood from there the case leads to French Giants, Secret Societies, Black Magic and the Quintessential Holmes nemesis Professor Moriarty.

The initial feel of Holmes sucks you in completely with Holmes explaining in slow-motion how he is going to incapacitate a man and then follows it up in real time exactly as explained. The fight scenes employ multiple fighting styles and include some of the best displays of Mixed Martial Arts captured on screen in a main stream film.

The only odd part of the film is the relationship between Holmes and Watson which borders on Homoerotic; It is a pairing that those not familiar with the original material might find a bit queer, With the major relationship arc being Watson moving out of a shared building and becoming engaged, Thus ending the Holmes/Watson partnership Given the feminine dandyism of Jude Law it’s not too farfetched to think that this relationship is more than just professional.

This is a Guy Ritchie film through and through with his typical visual panache and humor shining through from start to finish. The mystery is completely believable and eventually everything is explained. With an ending that leaves it open for the inevitable sequel. A fun film smartly paced with great humor and style, nice to see Ritchie keep the momentum gained from RocknRolla after the debacles of his Madonna years movies (Swept Away, Revolver). Grade-87