Ever since it was announced that Guy Ritchie would be hailing as the director of a 'Sherlock Holmes' movie, I was excited. While the guy can't grasp the ability to write a good script, he has shown promise as a director, and I was anxious to see the end result. Speculation arose when the film was pushed back to a Christmas Day opening, and I can honestly say that come November, my excitement had dwindled a bit. So, when I stepped into the theater, I was prepared for the worst - a preparation that was mindlessly wasted.
Full of life, adrenaline and comical wit, Sherlock Holmes relies heavily on the work of its leading star, Robert Downey Jr. While most films would fail thanks to such a heavily reliance, Downey soars in such a predicament, allowing Holmes to become one with him and giving us all the story and adventure that we so desperately wanted.
By his side, both Jude Law and Rachel McAdams hold their own. Though the film plays to Sherlock's strengths, each is able to steal their share of the limelight and create a triad of characters worth watching. Their ability to maneuver in and out of the scenes as Holmes' partner and former lover is definitely worth noting, as is their chemistry - which allows the story's dialogue to work in its favor as it creates seamless moments of witty exchanges and undeniably hilarious encounters.
Thankfully, and I am not sure whether to thank Ritchie or his team of screenwriters, there is no heavy character introduction. Though this film is likely the first in a long running franchise, they chose not to bog down and spend fifteen tedious minutes explaining just how Sherlock Holmes became the man he is today. I personally have no interaction with the character through previous pieces of work, and I not once questioned his origins. As a result, the move looked to be a good one in perception to the film, and one that I appreciated greatly.
Many instances, Holmes seemed as if he was too good for his own good. Clues pertaining to the case against the newly revealed villain, Lord Blackwood, were rarely revealed, instead appearing to be a much more congested case than it realistically was. Granted the clues were outlined clearly, and quickly, at the film's timely conclusion - and the way Downey Jr. presented it made for a great moment of cinematic prestige - however, I wish we all could have played the game as well, it is an action adventure you know.
But with that said, I do perfectly realize that the film is not a choose-you-own-adventure. Whether the audience catches on or not, that is not the point. Instead, one must bask in the riches that is Sherlock, enjoying his meticulous moves and his self-confidence. He doesn't take a serious outlook on life, and that is a major reason as to his overall appeal to all those watching on. He makes the film (as he should), and his superior persona is one that you must agree with in order to appreciate the character development that is displayed throughout.
Rachel McAdams' Irene Adler is the film's most unneeded aspect as she does nothing but conform the film to a stereotypical detective period piece as she proves to be Holmes' lone demise. Thankfully, Ritchie didn't allow the entire film to follow in the footsteps of those who screened before, creating a new kind of ending that will hopefully bright around a new style of 'happily ever after.'
The cinematography, especially during the final scene, brings a lot to the table, and all is well deserved. The rich colors and spectacular landscapes help set the tone for the film - and without that, Downey Jr. would have been lost with no wall to lean upon for support.
It wasn't a perfect movie by any means, but at the end of the day, it did do enough right to warrant a recommendation, at least from this male specimen.
