Robert Downey Jr. brings to the screen a version of Sherlock Holmes that not only hasn't been seen before, but is also extraordinary in itself. And with Jude Law portraying Doctor Watson so sincerely, the collaboration definitely works on every level.
In this installment of the adventures of one of the most, if not the most famous detective in literature, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) goes on a hunt to track down the most feared men in their society, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). At the start of the film, Holmes and Watson (Jude Law) stop Blackwood from killing yet another woman in one of his dark ritual ceremonies. Before being hanged, Lord Blackwood warns Holmes that there will be more deaths in the future and that he will eventually return and fulfill his dastardly plans. Meanwhile, Holmes gets a visit from Irene Adler (Rachael McAdams, his one love that always seems to elude him. She has a proposal for him to find a man for her employer. Throughout the film, it is hinted that her employer is Professor Moriarty, who is Holmes's ultimate nemesis in the original stories. While trying to find the man Irene is looking for, Holmes is informed that Lord Blackwood has come back from the dead. While visiting the site of the resurrection, Holmes is puzzled as to how Blackwood came back to life after being pronounced dead by Doctor Watson himself. Blackwood begins to play cat and mouse with Holmes, and the legendary duo must figure out what Blackwood is up to before he executes his plans for dominating their beloved England and maybe even Europe.
Overall, I liked this version of Sherlock Holmes a lot. It stayed true to its roots, but still had a modern edge to it that I think many people are excited to see. It wasn't old-fashioned in a way that bored you, but rather captivated the audience, with the action obviously having a lot to do with it. I really liked how they incorporated romance into the story without it steering the plot in a different direction, giving the film a sense of warmth despite all the murders and crimes that are taking place throughout the plot. The suspense level was great, especially towards the ending, with the flashback sequences being quite haunting in a way. I would also like to point out the massive benefit the movie received from its score by the amazing Hans Zimmer, who never disappoints us with his distinctive pieces that never mimic each other in any way. I thought the theme music was very memorable and anytime I hear it, I would know Sherlock Holmes is on. That's how good it is and I'm glad the Academy recognized Zimmer's talent for this production by nominating him for an Oscar in the Best Original Score category.
The performance from Robert was just breathtaking. As an actor he managed to give so much by giving so little emotion in his role and that's what makes his performance so exciting. It's unpredictable, makes you love him, hate him, admire him and so much more. Jude Law really made the brotherly onscreen bond work between him and Robert and although Downey stole most of the scenes in the film, Law balanced it out really well with his charming presence and common sense. Rachael McAdams did a great job in the role of Irene Adler. She really made the character her own and kept the romantic connection between her character and Holmes interesting with a real spark to it. They both have adventurous personalities but they are also disparate because of their professions, with Holmes being a private eye while she is a thief. As they say, opposites attract and I loved her edginess and elegance in each scene with Downey Jr.
The set designs were impeccably done with such fine details being put in to each frame. It really kept the production authentic despite such a different story being introduced to the audience of Sherlock fans and it was definitely important to stick to the original setting and not wander off into no man's land. I can say that the story was at times childish, with the whole dark magic concept, and all of it being a trick using scientific knowledge; but with the main theme being Sherlock's and Watson's friendship and loyalty to one another, you really don't focus on it that much and just let the story guide you in the enigmatic direction to ultimately unravel the case bit by bit, making you see the big picture. Being filmed in London, the cinematography was very organic for the story with the grayness and gloomy feeling of London being portrayed with a valid perspective of the outside environment. The drawing of the various characters in the opening title cards and the ending credits added a unique touch to the overall look of the film and I really liked its individuality for that particular aspect.
Overall, it's a really fun, thrilling and daring portrayal of one of the most well known literary characters in history. All of the actors, producers, crew and of course the director paid homage to the original story, but managed to make it work for today's audience with great adeptness. Definitely a keeper in your movie collection.
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