For the most part, we all have a pre-conceived idea of who or what Sherlock Holmes should be: a pipe-smoking, tweed-wearing old man that uses big words. One thing is for sure, Guy Ritchie's version of the iconic literary character is anything but your grandpa's old familiar. This film is a main stream attempt from Ritchie, who typically serves up a quirky, unique style that is all his own. Not to say this is a bad thing, but his true style still eeks it's way to the surface just enough to let you know that he is still there.
From the get go, the film is quite action packed and offers up something a bit different than the martial arts laden films we've been inundated with recently. It has a raw and natural feel to it, helping to pull you into the story, even though it delves into the "magic" world. There is the usual action film fodder, with explosions and hand to hand battles, but there is a bit of the standard Ritchie fare, including some comedy moments that only Mr. Downey could pull off.
On the topic of RDJ, he is on top of his game in this film. His delivery of lines is impeccable. He's the type of actor that you can have him read the phone book and you could be entertained for hours. The pairing of Downey and Jude Law is one that can put a confused look on your face and make you wonder how that'll work out. It's a great combination and it's nice to see Law step out of his box and try something new. Rachel McAdams leaves something to be desired. She can be good, but her character in this film not written well. Although pertinent to the Sherlock Holmes story, at least in this version, and in future films, she could easily have been a lesser character; it's rather odd to me.
The story itself is an original if I remember correctly and it deals with the subject of black magic, which to me is something you wouldn't really expect from a Holmes story. It is a believable idea, but I had a hard time getting into it, just not quite enough to really pull you in.
Guy Ritchie continues to utilize the camera to make his movies entertaining. With many unique angles and the use of different lens types, it adds a new element to the film. There are several amazing slow-motion scenes that are very well done, to the point where it just makes you smile in awe.
With all these outstanding elements, you would think this formula would add up, but it simply doesn't connect. The film has its entertaining moments and is fun to watch, it should have been more than it was. Being that this is Rithchie's first attempt at a more "main-stream" film, he has room to grow with the next installment to this series, which I hope he learns from the little things that don't add up.
Grade: B