Film Review: Sherlock Holmes

You have to give it to Robert Downey, Jr. Rehab, substance abuse and just living the oh-so-common-for-a-celebrity lifestyle that he did for years, he has returned in stellar form. And just how does one follow up roles of being an action hero coming to grips with his family’s, and his own, legacy (Iron Man) and a hilarious Hollywood stereotype (Tropic Thunder) in 2008? The answer, you’ll find, is rather ‘elementary’.

Downey Jr. shines as the brilliant, albeit unorthodox detective Sherlock Holmes in one of December’s most anticipated films. He is a keen observer of not just human character, but also the essential (and minute) details appearing in every room in to which he steps. Sure, he has his flaws; he seems unbearable as a roommate, evident by the madness he puts his partner, Watson (Jude Law) through, to say nothing of the various experiments their poor pet bulldog must endure.

Holmes and Watson must investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the dark magic infused Lord Blackwood, played by Mark Strong. Blackwood represents the black and appropriately evil side to a powerful, enlightened Masonic-type brotherhood, and appears to be gaining momentum with every evil and apparently mystical action that he takes. Murder, ritual, action and deceit ensue, and Holmes’s lack of grasp on the case is compounded by his emotions.

On one hand, Watson is getting ready to marry and move out of their interesting London apartment and into the country with his soon-to-be fiancé’, Mary (Kelly Reilly). On the other hand, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) comes back into Holmes’s life not just as a patron, but as a unique American thief whose own life and abilities rival his own. There is also the interesting side detail of Ms. Adler’s current employer, a man shrouded in mystery who is not (?) directly connected to the most blatant plot in the film.

Downey, Jr. and Jude Law play off each other brilliantly. Holmes is a man who, at many times, is literally by himself in this world. The film displays, through the use of flashbacks and inner calculating monologues, just how his mind seems to function. He is reminiscent of the famous Jack Sparrow in his ability to visually display just how dysfunctional – and at the same time, contemplative – his mind really is. An action scene on the industrial-laden Thames River further makes the connection for this humble critic. All the while being seemingly ‘alone’ with his thoughts, he is rather dependent of his better half sidekick. It aides him, both in physical confrontations (the good Doctor does have a knack for combat that comes in handy on more than one occasion) and to aide in the investigative process. The way Holmes does not want this partnership to end is shown on screen as the closest we can come to observing the 1800’s version of ‘Bromance’ between two grown men.

Feeding the fire is Watson himself. He wants to get away from this life; or does he? Upon arriving at scenes where trouble is about to start, Watson is in his glory. He knows that to continue traveling around London with Sherlock will surely bring pain and, resistant as he seems, he embraces the action and adventure when stuck – inescapably - in the moment.

The film itself plays out like the classic British mystery shows of old. Details are revealed, Holmes summarizes the incidents that have occurred and yes, a mild cliffhanger concludes the film. The only true criticism is that the scenes focusing on Holmes’s brilliance should have been… different. It appears that by either increasing their frequency (and thus making their inclusion more regular) or decreasing it (and thus allowing the story to unfold smoother) would have been more desirable. Something about the way the entire film moved didn’t sit just right with me. At the same time, the apparent indescribable nature of this ‘format flaw’ means that it did not detract from how enjoyable of a film it really was. On the scale of Good versus Very Good, “Sherlock Holmes” definitely receives the latter rating, and comes highly recommended.

Regards,

The Aspiring Film Critic