Reimagined, good that seems great

Rating: 8/10 (29 December 2009)

Sherlock Holmes gives the viewer more than most films this holiday season. We enjoy many actors at their best, certainly to be topped by Downing Jr.and Law, who both give Depp-like popcorn performances. Guy Richie has intelligent style in his direction. And Zimmer's score plays as a strong supporter of the plot.
To re-imagine Sherlock Holmes is not to just bring to life Doyle's Victorian detective.....but to confront the veteran movie goer with Christopher Plummer's detective, as well as Basil Rathbone's definitive interpretation. However, history does have an advantage here. There is no superb Sherlock Holmes' movie (perhaps Rathbone's Hounds of Baskervilles is close). And there still isn't. But there is another great interpretation to enjoy. And in this viewing, one will find these points of cinematic fascination.
1. Do all Hollywood blockbuster's today require heroes who fight? Maybe, but when Richie directs the scenes this well, we understand Downey's Holmes much better.
2. Why is Hollywood so male centered? Perhaps a movie based on two famous male detectives would not be the movie to ask this about, but Rachel McAdam's character brings this to point. She's very good, but for being such an important chacter, she gets very limited screen time.
3. Is this film great? Well, the narrative is a little jumpy. But considering how bad popcorn movies have bee this year(other than Star Trek) perhaps we all should just enjoy a very good movie.
Btw, be sure to savor the use of the violin for Holmes.