\"A little more conversation, a little less action please -uh huh, thank you very much\"
The big mystery with this film is how Guy Ritchie got all the tough stuff nailed and then flunked the easy part. The character development, script and build up is all handled incredibly well. This is the usual failing of most blockbusters and is often cobbled together as an afterthought. But look here - is that real chemistry I see developing between the two leads! And there! I just laughed at an excellent aside by Jude Law! I actually feel like I want to spend a bit of time in the company of these characters.
And then...it all goes a bit haywire when the action comes in. This part should have been easy - this is Sherlock Holmes after all so no one is expecting a Transformers style duke-fest of special effects popping off left, right and centre - so all you have to do is add some gritty set pieces and lean more on mystery, intrigue and suspence. Unfortunately no one mentioned this to Guy Ritchie and apart from the stylish boxing scene the rest of the action is a mix of lame special effects (yes, that flying cog in the boatyard!), never ending fights (enough of the giant already...), improbable and pointless superfluous detours, etc.
Nearly something special and both the leads should look back on their performances with some degree of pride in what was always going to be a tough gig - making Sherlock Holmes relevant/sexy/exciting for the new generation.
Worth a watch.
this is no detective film
I usually avoid all detective films and Shirlock Holms to me has always been a source of great boredom, so I was sceptical, at first, to watch this. Im glad I did though, its not the most amazing film but I really did enjoy it. I highly recommend it and Im looking forward to a potential sequel.
Meh! Could have been better
Good, but nowhere near as exciting as the trailer makes out. Pretty average Holmes story, but with a bigger budget. It takes a while to get going, but once it does it moves at quite a rapid pace. Story of dealings with "black magic", but actually illusion. Good flash backs and slow-mos of how they solve the mysteries and beat the badies. Don't know what really else to say, was expecting more, just finished and felt meh! They have obviously left it open for a sequel as there is endless talk of Moriarty.
Excellent Watson!
What a great film this is! I was hugely surprised at how good it is when I first saw it. I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and was unsure whether this would be true to the classics.
Well, as far as I am concerned, this IS the classic Holmes movie. I loved the way the relationship with Watson was portrayed, and the Victorian London imagery was a pleasure to behold. The story unfolds with magnificant charm, as mysteries unravel before our eyes, and seemingly innocuous observations become crucial to the game. There is plenty of action, some of which is portrayed almost in bullet time, with Holmes' thought processes being narrated before the actual event. It works really well.
I can't really say more without giving away spoilers. And I hate spoilers.
There must be more Holmes films made with this new cast. Not to do so would be a crime.
Incidently if you are a fan of the TV series House, you may watch this movie and see some similarities between House - Wilson and Holmes - Watson. As House was based on Holmes this is hardly a surprise!
(Do a Google to read the whole story)
Pure logic and enjoyment.
This is without doubt a first-class thoroughly enjoyable ride into fun!
The performances are very good with some excellent chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law.
They were obviously enjoying themselves immensely,as indeed were most of the cast.It's an atmospheric and beautifully shot movie with remarkable attention paid to London of the 1890's including a wonderful set-piece on an incompleted Tower bridge.The whole production design is gorgeous and includes a wonderful score by Hans Zimmer,easily one of his best.
Overall,this is superb entertainment which is intriguing,full of action and very witty!
If you don't like this then you had better check your pulse!
Well directed by Guy Richie and produced by Joel Silver.See it!