Sherlock Holmes
Guy Ritchie, after his controversy shrouded divorce with Madonna, returns to what he does best & he really has packed a punch. Trying something out of his area of expertise (the crime genre), Guy brings back 19th century cerebral British detective Sherlock Holmes & his more subtle adjunct Dr. John Watson.
Robert Downey Jr yet again proves there is so much of him we haven’t seen yet. After Tony Stark, getting into Sherlock Holmes’ shoes he has yet again delivered a fantastic performance. There isn’t any of “Elementary Dear Watson”, but there sure is a lot of ‘bromance’ brewing between the two lead actors, Downey & Jude Law who plays Dr. Watson. Downey’s dialogue delivery & his wry humour is sure to set the screen alight. That & making Holmes an action hero of sorts is the difference Guy Ritchie has brought to the movie from Arthur Conan Doyle’s fiction work.
The duo are working on a case which threatens the future of British Empire from falling into the hands of satanic powers possessed by Lord Blackwood, played very effectively by Mark Strong, who wangles his way out of death and conspires to take over Britain & rule through black magic. Recreating 19th century Britain erecting huge sets using computer generated SFX, Ritchie has made sure he didn’t disorient his loyal following by keeping the movie slick, fast paced & thrilling.
The action sequences at the shipyard, the one at the slaughter house followed by the explosion are brilliantly filmed. Sequences where Holmes’ plans his offensive against the enemies are superb & are vintage Ritchie. The climax sequence too is brilliantly shot.
The background music keeps the movie alive at all times. Foot tapping background score during the chases kept the audience at the edge of their seats & made sure it wasn’t all serious. Britain of the 19th century has been aesthetically captured & cinematography for the action sequences were without a doubt simply outstanding as it has always been in all Guy Ritchie flicks.
Jude Law as Dr. Watson is polished & elegant, yet lets the title character run away from the laurels. Rachel McAdams as Irene, a mysterious woman from Holmes’ past looks stunning through the film & delivers a key performance.
The USP of Sherlock Holmes is of course the camaraderie between Holmes & Watson (Downey & Law). It sure is a must watch for all Guy Ritchie & Robert Downey Jr fans.
