An interesting interpretation by Downey

Rating: Null/10 (11 February 2010)

Robert Downey does the very difficult in this film, he brings a fresh new interpretation to one of the most famous roles of all that literally hundreds of actors have played. He breathes new life into Sherlock Holmes, this being the first Holmes theatrical film in 21 years. He brings a grittier, seedier take on the role (there is one scene where Watson nags him over his poor personal hygiene!). This is one of the few Holmes films where you will see him fighting with his fists as well as with his wits. The thought that I had watching this very entertaining film is that I hope they make a sequel (SPOILER ALERT, they leave the door open in the end). In addition to lauding Robert Downey, I also wanted to praise Jude Law for being a fine Doctor Watson. In the Basil Rathbone films, Nigel Bruce played Watson as a doddering old fool and I thought that was making Arthur Conan Doyle turn in his grave. Law plays Watson as he should be played. Watson is no bumbling, fool, in Doyle's stories he was a skilled doctor and a brave steady man in a crisis. In fact, the script plays Watson as Holmes equal in every way! There is even a scene where he saves Holme's life. The plot is intriguing, the special effects and action are magnificent but in the end its Downey and Law who make this film worth your time.