Incredible!

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2009)

Plot: Sherlock Holmes(Robert Downey, Jr.) is a well known detective in 1890's London. He and his partner, Dr. John Watson(Jude Law) have solved various mysteries/crimes, with their latest being the subduing of Lord Henry Blackwood(Mark Strong), a sophisticated psycho who knows sorcery. But somehow Blackwood has survived his execution and has plans of world domination(how original). Now the case is reopened and Holmes and Watson, with the aid of Irene Addler(Rachel McAdams), who has outfoxed Holmes twice, will have to stop the sinister Blackwood before his plan is set in motion.
Guy Ritchie has possibly delivered his best work yet. After gangster films like RocknRolla and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, he might have finally found his big hit, both foreign and domestic. Downey, Jr. is hilarious as the titular sleuth. He's funny when he has to be, and smart when he has to be. That's why he rightfully deserves a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. The action is also pretty darn good, especially the slow motion close quarters fights. It's like they added some pieces of Fight Club into the movie. I also really enjoyed the score by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. His piano bits are the best parts, playing to the feel of 1800's England. The only problem is that at a few points, the movie gets a bit too smart on us. Holmes is a genius, but I'm not fully interested in his Einstein like blather.
Overall, this is a well done mix of action, humor, thrills, and mystery. I give it a 9 out of 10.