Not What Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Intended Im Sure

Rating: 4/10 (24 January 2010)

This film is entertaining in many ways (effects, stunts, storyline) but it is not what Sherlock Holmes is truly about. I was bitterly disappointed that Guy Richie didn't pay more attention to detail with special regards to the cast, original character depiction and more importantly the era that Holmes was based.
My major criticisms are as follows: Firstly, Holmes was well known for his meticulous eye for detail and an unrivalled intelligence on a multitude of both academic and non-academic topics. He certainly was not well known for his athleticism and would not have been capable of defeating a bare knuckle fighter twice his size and strength.
Secondly, i felt Robert Downey (jnr) was not convincing in the role of Shelock. However, i don't feel this was not his own fault, but rather a casting error. Surely an English man would have been a better choice. The accent is obviously floored to anyone who isn't American.
Thirdly, the most unforgivable point for me personally was that Sherlock is dressed more like a pauper or coal man than the great detective, who was among the socially elite of the time. Does Guy Richie honestly believe that a person dressed like this would rub shoulders with the bourgeoisie for any other reason than to deliver their coal. I seriously think not. At one point Watson (Jude Law) actually comments on how bad Homes smells. Unbelievable! All in all this film is entertaining, what with all the special effects, stunts and general Hollywood influences. However, if your expecting a story in any way based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyles vision of the great detective, you will more than likely be disappointed, like i was.
This film does little to threaten the two best Sherlock Holmes actors there was, being Basil Rathbone & Jeremy Brett. If only Guy Richie had actually watched these great actors in the prized role then maybe the film would have been more original. Unfortunately, i doubt this happened. All i can say is elementary my dear Guy Richie and better luck next time.