Great performances from Downey, Jr and Law

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2010)

Sherlock Holmes is a new twist on an old classic, and before I further write my review, I want to make something clear. The thing I want to get clear is that this is not supposed to be anything like the old Basil Rathbone version, but a modern day version of Sherlock Holmes. If you do not like the idea of a modern day version of Sherlock Holmes, then don't see this movie. That said, if you do have even the slightest doubt that this could be good, go see it. The film is cool looking and entertaining. Since the movie is so good, I will mention the only flaw. The flaw is that Guy Ritchie, such a good director when he did Snatch, Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels, Revolver, and RocknRolla made the movie a little too frantic and in your face at times. The movie is so entertaining and involving that at most times, that doesn't matter. There are only a few times that got me uninvolved for that reason. Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law both give great performances here, mixing humor and toughness nicely. Rachel McAdams plays Holmes' long-time friend Irene Adler. McAdams is good, as is Mark Strong as the bad guy Lord Blackwood. The film has a great look, and all in all the performances are strong. The film is at times confusing, which is not a bad thing per say, but it all wraps up in the end. The film is ultimately entertaining and definitely worth seeing.