Sherlock Holmes (2009)

 

Few characters from literature have been so lasting as Sherlock Holmes, possibly the world's smartest man and private investigator extraordinaire. There have been countless adaptations, but this one by Guy Ritchie does rank among the better. He cleverly keeps it set in Victorian England near the end of the 19th century, but shoots it in his highly energised way, thus keeping it all from feeling stale. 

The rather good casting also helps. 

Sherlock and Watson have finally concluded a case where a member of Parliament called Lord Blackwood is arrested for the murders of several young women. Blackwood envelops himself in an aura of mysticism and the dark arts and the murders were presented as gruesome rituals. However, when Blackwood is finally hanged yet several days later is seen walking around, things get rather bizarre. Holmes of course is intrigued by all this and when a former love interest returns, things get a little hectic. It seems everything is linked to a secret order (because of course) that wishes to rule the world through politics and the like, steering mankind into the future. Blackwood himself was a member of this order and is now taking out those opposed to him in preparation for a grand slam. 

So of course, it's a race against time for Holmes and Watson to try and solve the mystery of why Blackwood is back in the first place and also to stop his nefarious plan. 

Don't be fooled by the occult ideas that are sown throughout the film: nearly everything gets explained. It does make a good point how trickery and science can seem to be magic to a lot of people. You probably know the statement that any technology that is advanced enough, often seems like magic? Well, the same applies here. But at heart, this is still a detective story and the dynamic between our main characters works really well. In fact, the bromance between Holmes and Watson is probably the main reason to watch this. Robert Downey Jr is an overenergised Holmes, someone who is clearly not just hyperintelligent, but who suffers from it as he can never seem to find any rest, as he is always analysing everything. Watson is the down-to-earth former soldier, the counterbalance to Holmes' frenetic energy. Good choice to pick Jude Law for this role. He not only looks the part, but he makes Downey Jr's rather iffy British accent ultimately passable, as Law has no qualms whatsoever with that. 

Of course, a hero is only as good as his opponent and again, they nailed it by casting Mark Strong. Not only is Strong an excellent actor, but he has the face and demeanour to play the most sinister of villains with ease and he is so much fun to watch, as he gets to diabolically be pure evil. Heck, just check out his appearance, with that black, gelled back hair and that awesome black coat. They lay it on a bit thick that he is a baddie, but funnily enough: it works. 

You may wonder whether the martial arts and slightly over-the-top action was really necessary, but maybe it was time for a period piece to not be as stuffy as otherwise was the norm. But there are two things that might stop you from enjoying this to the fullest. The first is the rather manic portrayal by Downey Jr. He is constantly all over the place and even though it works for the character, it can get rather tiring at times. The second is the fast paced editing and action. The film isn't overly long per se, but it is so jam packed and high energy that you will feel completely exhausted by the end. Heck, maybe you won't even make it to the end at the rate with which this goes. It is quite vexing and taxing and yes, I did use 'vexing' here just because I felt like it. 

Crumpets.

'Sherlock Holmes' is a lot of fun, but be prepared for a rather intense two hours. You have been warned.