Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Reel rating: 3/5

Reel commentary: ... Ultimately, true fans of the man may find themselves questioning whether this latest version is a piece of fast paced entertainment or a never before seen psyche of a legend that is Sherlock Holmes. Either way, only the sequel will tell. In the meanwhile, both sides wait to see what Ritchie does next...

By Lloyd Bayer

“Elementary, my dear Watson” is a catch phrase synonymous with none other than the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Strangely, you wont find those famous words uttered here. What you do find, is the darker side of one of the earliest names in forensic and criminal investigations. As a result, what we have here is a re-vamped Sherlock Holmes, and why not, 2009 has been an overly generous year in sequels, prequels and re-boots. The question now is whether we so desperately needed another one. Apparently, director Guy Ritchie seems to think so. Released on Christmas day, his package contains more than just a merry mix of sorts.  It’s a buy one, get one free package told in an undeniably Guy Ritchie style paying homage to Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But whether Doyle would approve, is another question altogether.

All images copyright © 2009 Warner Bros. Pictures

With most Sherlock Holmes movies (including four of Doyle’s novels) the prologue to his new adventure starts with a display of his virtuoso skills in observation, logic and deduction. This time around, Holmes and Doctor Watson prevent a human sacrifice, the death of a young woman that would have become the sixth in a series of ritualistic murders. By the time Scotland Yard arrives, Holmes and Watson have put up a bravura display of close quarter hand-to-hand combat incapacitating perpetrators, while leaving their mystic leader handcuffed and arrested. With Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) now securely behind bars and slotted to be hanged, Holmes’ want of a new case starts to show through his increasingly eccentric behavior; some of which includes weird and dangerous experiments behind closed doors. Also brought out of Doyle’s stories is Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) as Holmes’ old flame and the only jewel thief to have outsmarted him. In the film’s minute sub-plot, Irene indulges Holmes with his next case: the mystery behind a missing red haired midget. What Holmes does not realize is that Adler may now be linked to one of his deadliest and equally brilliant adversaries ever: Professor Moriarty. But before that, Holmes and Watson are alarmed by the resurrection of Lord Blackwood. As if in vengeance for being hanged, Blackwood rises in mystical power and proceeds to wipe out everyone standing in his path, assuming ultimate power over London.

For a film spanning well over two hours, the basic (and only) plot revolves around Holmes and Watson trying to stay one step ahead of Blackwood. Given this time frame in bringing back the super sleuth of 221B Baker Street, the plot could have easily had at least three cases for the genius that is Holmes. Even so, the ending here is incomplete, clearly indicating Ritchie has left it open for a sequel, and possibly a whole new franchise. On the other hand, Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson are excellent in their individual roles and collectively generate some of the best moments in a movie as partners upholding the law. Although Law and Downey Jr. carry out their roles well, the plot at times doesn’t seem to catch up with them. Let’s not forget, we are talking about literature’s most celebrated private investigators. Let’s also not forget, these two brainyacs whose sheer intelligence paved the way for those to come, mainly Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, followed much later by Joe and Frank Hardy and Nancy Drew for the younger generations. The commonality here is the proven ability in solving baffling crimes perpetrated by some sinister villains. Having said all this, Ritchie’s version relies heavily on Holmes and Watson’s brute force rather than brains. In this context, Holmes is almost personified as a super hero, whereby, in a split second he is able to take down an enemy with CSI like analysis. Truth be told, Doyle’s Holmes is often penned as a character vigilant in martial arts and close quarter weaponry. But hoisting him to the level of Jason Bourne is another thing.

Now, what is likely to happen, is the split in fan base. Ritchie’s fanboys drooling for cool is sure to find it in his style consistent with the dark humor of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and the fight scenes found in Snatch. Action is fantastic, from the streets of London to the cliff-hanging finale high above The River Thames. Cinematography is flawless and captures toned down colors of a Gothic period, as such, on par with Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. All in all, a Guy Ritchie fan will lap it up followed by anticipations of a much needed sequel. Doyle’s fans on the other hand, may leave scratching their heads. In comparison to Ritchie, Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes fanboys span more than a century of multiple generations spread out from avid readers to forensic experts in criminology to societies of intellectuals founded in his name to museums erected with his memorabilia.

 Ultimately, true fans of the man may find themselves questioning whether this latest version is a piece of fast paced entertainment or a never before seen psyche of a legend that is Sherlock Holmes. Either way, only the sequel will tell. In the meanwhile, both sides wait to see what Ritchie does next.

LLoyd Bayer



Comments

Frank Says: Dec 28, 2009 at 14:54 More Sherlock Holmes quotes: "You do know what your are drinking is meant for eye surgery?" "Holmes, does your depravity know no bounds?" "I've never complained! When have I ever complained about you practicing the violin at three in the morning, or your mess? Your general lack of hygiene or the fact that you steal my clothes?" "Be a lady... "

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