"Elementary my dear Watson", "Sherlock Holmes" is a new spin on a classic detective. Starring Robert Downey, Jr. (Holmes) and Jude Law (Watson) as the original dynamic duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson! Adding a little more of an action-adventure style to the original more cerebral-type of Holmes story. British action movie director Guy Ritchie elevates the otherwise dry and proper Holmes to almost an Indiana Jones-like status. Holmes' character differs greatly from previous film versions and is less of uptight, deerstalker hat wearing gentleman and is now more of an eccentric, neurotic, anti-social, recluse with a curious hobby of engaging in pit-fighting! Watson is almost as odd with a severe gambling addiction, while their whole relationship is like that of an old married couple?!The story itself is a fascinating mix of action, mystery, and love with a little occult/supernatural intrigue! Holmes methods appear even more amazing as the film features these odd Zack Snyder-like slow-motion scenes as he plans his next moves carefully analyzing every stage. The love interest in the film is Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams ), a talented female thief who continues to elude and best Holmes surprisingly at every turn! The villain is Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who dabbles in secret societies and occult alchemy in order to cheat death and destroy parliament.
To the more purist Sherlock Holmes aficionados, this is definitely NOT old-school Holmes, rather a more modern and action-centered version to appease those who shy away from the more dry and traditional Holmes adaptations. While fun and exciting, it tends to depart from the more intellectual side of Holmes in his usual deductive methods sacrificing them for a more direct and visceral incarnation. Although Downey, Jr. makes an impressive Holmes, I find the episodes where Commander Data from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" could do a better job than him. Sorry Robert, stick with Iron Man!
