It got old fans of the stories to come and see it and the star power brought in the younger crowds. I saw the movie going in with a half way opinion, I have read some of the original stories and RDJ is one of my favorite actors. Now I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and will give it a 9/10.
Sherlock Holmes is a detecitve; he might even be considered Batman of the late 1800's. Masses of people will not come to see a movie with a man sitting in his chair thinking and connecting the dots. A dose of action was needed for this movie to do well and for everyone to enjoy it. For me, the best parts of this movie were when Sherlock was in a fight and was mapping it out in his head. It showed both sides of what this movie should be. My mother complained that the character in the movie was not Sherlock and Watson. And to a certain degree I need to agree with her, they were not action packed in the short stories and few novels. But for people to like them in a modern world full of violence they needed to add new things to the characters. Violence,Gambling,Drinking etc. etc. were good new character points to hit on.
The cast in the movie was incredible. Robert Downey Jr. really stole the show (even though it was his to begin with.) Jude Law did exceptionally well portraying Watson. And Rachel McAdamds (whom I think is better looking than Megan Fox) was brilliant.