A Remake Done Almost Right

Rating: 7/10 (12 May 2010)

Guy Richie has finally proved himself as a credible director. I never thought he was capable of something of this caliber and I am very happy to be proved wrong.
Sherlock Holmes is an excellent remake of the classic detective story. It also opened the eyes of the audience to the real Sherlock Holmes. He was by no means perfect and yes, Gregory House is very heavily based on him. Holmes drank, did drugs, started fights, and was a complete ***. Many people already knew that but over time, Holmes has become almost a role model. He's not.
The cinematography was incredible. Richie and his team brought old London to life on the screen. The costumes were perfection and added to the ambiance.
The screenplay was great. The banter between Holmes and Watson was witty and funny. You could hear the mutual respect for each other but we did see Watson become exasperated with Holmes several times for which I'm glad. No friendship is perfect and really, who could deal with Holmes with a smile all the time? Robert Downing Jr, Holmes, and Jude Law, Watson, had great chemistry. They were perfect together and their banter was so fast! Some of the jokes went over your head because they went so fast but I wouldn't change it. It was done right.
However, their jokes also cost them a star in my book. Some moments were very powerful and dark but then a joke would occur. Yes the joke was hysterical but it didn't fit. I think the screenwriters came up with the joke and didn't want to get rid of it which is fine but the jokes wrecked some really great moments in the film.
The other issue I had was with Irene Alder. (SPOILER) I felt like no one could decide if they wanted there to be a romantic interest between her and Holmes. Sometimes I felt like it would happen then the next second, nope. In the original series, Alder and Holmes weren't a 'thing' but I don't object to it happening on screen. But I just wanted them to pick! Also, who believed that she was the one person who could fool Holmes? Exactly, no one.
It was a great film but there are a couple of things that stop it from being excellent. It's also a little long but I didn't feel like it dragged like some other films. I'd recommend it to anyone but I'd recommend some other films first.