A fantastic portrayal of Holmes

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2015)

I must admit I don't know lots about the character of Sherlock Holmes in the books I just know the basics and as an unbiased fan I can say that I really enjoy this film. The premise sees Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson bought onto a case to capture the undead Lord Blackwood. Now Robert Downey Jr rediscovered his career with his portrayal of Tony stark in the iron man/Avengers movies but I think his performance as Sherlock Holmes is really underrated. He is really good in this role, he has the scruffy grit that a mad scientist like Holmes would have but he also has the charming nature that would make him a likable ladies man that you can root for, also I know people think this isn't a true depiction of the character but I thought he was great in this film. Also great is Jude law as Watson, he was a great choice to play Watson because he has the British suave to pull off the character and his chemistry with Downey is great. Rachel mcadams plays Holmes love interest and she is really good in the film, she was a strong female character that easily holds her own alongside Downey and law. Mark strong plays the villain Blackwood and even though you barely know anything about his character or his motivations strong does a good job as he seems to do in most things he is in. The story is where the film falls down a little, I enjoy the relationship between Watson and Holmes and the romance going on but sometimes this film gets a bit too convoluted and villains aren't given too much motivation. I also feel like this film had a little bit to much sequel baiting in it that felt like it wasn't focused enough on its current story. The script is great with all the witty dialogue hitting its mark and the comedy working the majority of the time. It does sometimes get a bit fast paced but if you pay close attention you'll be fine. The style of the film is great, the fight scenes are all done really well with a good use of slow mo. The setting was also great and made you feel integrated into the world of Sherlock Holmes. Overall this is a fantastic film that If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes you should definitely see.