An enjoyable romp

Rating: 7/10 (27 December 2009)

Holmes, struggling to come to terms with Watson moving out to marry, is drawn into a case involving the apparent rise from the grave of Lord Blackwood, hung for a series of occult-linked murders. Complicating the matters is the return of Irene Adler, a woman Holmes is drawn to...
The first thing to note about this new Sherlock Holmes movie is that it is not based on any one story. It's an original script that uses elements of the Holmes character, in what is essentially a period buddy movie. The banter between Holmes and Watson is pretty funny at times, and it is clear there is a close friendship between the two. It helps that Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law are both clearly having a lot of fun in the roles and this does come over to the audience.
The supporting cast get mixed results. Mark Strong as Blackwood is a compelling villain. Eddie Marsan as Lestrade is also quite good. However, Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler does her best, but the part floats in and out of the movie at times, and she doesn't get a lot to do.
The big surprise though is actually the director, Guy Ritchie. I've never been a huge fan of his work, but he does a very good job here. The pacing is just right, the humour works well, and the action sequences are well done.
There are some nice touches, such as Holmes thinking out how to defeat an opponent in a fight, slowed down as he thinks it through, then showing at normal speed as it actually occurs. The visuals of Victorian London are impressive as are the sets and costumes.
If there are concerns with the movie, it's actually in the interplay between Holmes and Watson. Although as I said it is funny, at times it comes over in a similar vein to humour in previous Joel Silver movies, such as Lethal Weapon. But it is a minor issue.
In the end how much you enjoy this movie will actually depend on how you feel about Holmes and Watson. If you are a die-hard fan of the characters you may feel that the portrayals here are not the characters you know. If however you are not a massive fan, you may enjoy it as a well made, fun movie.