Why I Love Sherlock Holmes
Welcome to another edition of the Why I Love column, where I, Eric Ratcliffe, pick something I've read, played, listened to or watched to discuss with you fair readers. We haven't had a movie review here in a while and this on was pretty special one for me. I'm talking of course about Sherlock Holmes, which was directed by Guy Ritchie and stars Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law.
For those that don't know, Star Wars might have been the first thing to really spark my imagination but the original Holmes stories were truly what molded it. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created one of my favorite characters in fiction with Holmes and he was always one of the more unique I'd ever read. His keen intellect, only ever hinted at fighting and even the opium addiction made him a strong character.
Robert Downey Jr transforms himself into an interesting version of Holmes who doesn't like not being in control of life. His Holmes is calculated which is shown brilliantly in a few fights towards the beginning of the movie where they break things down into exactly what he's going to do. This was one of my favorite things done in the movie and a pleasure to watch. It was also great to see Holmes on his feet and constantly testing his brain with new challenges.
Jude law was the perfect Watson to play off of Downey's Holmes as we get his past military career referenced as well as the limp which was talked about in the books. Through most of the movie he seems to be at odds with Holmes and tries to not be pulled back into his life as his engagement is becoming more successful.
The relationship between the two men is a constant highlight of the movie. It's definitely one of the strongest and well acted throughout as Watson does his best to help Holmes get back to the way he once was while at the same time looking into what is supposed to be their last case together. Of course Holmes makes it more than difficult for him being both stubborn and crafty constantly pulling him back into his exploits.
The villain of our picture is played rather brilliantly by Mark Strong and is called lord Blackwood. He is a man who may or may not be supernaturally connected and rises from the dead with the promise that he will change the world to his whims. Of course as any classic Sherlock Holmes case, nothing is truly as it seems.
Joining Holmes and Watson as usual is the faithful Inspector Lestrade played by Eddie Marsan and sadly gets the least amount of screentime. Holmes of course tortures and jabs Lestrade with a few one liners that I couldn't help but smile at as the rivalry between the two men is very much alive in the movie.
Holmes opium addiction is in full effect as well but only played at coyly with his pipe constantly on him at all times. It's the small details that get me the most. Not to mention Watson carries a sword cane and even as a doctor shows that he can still be a formidable fighter versus any attacker.
Rachel Mcadams is the last major player of our cast who works for a very mysterious gentleman who plays a heavy role in the end of the film. She plays the only woman who has ever really gotten away from Holmes, named Irene Adler, and actually manages to fluster our great detective. It's a fun relationship that pays off in a big way that I really enjoyed seeing.
The writing on the script was strong and actually managed to make me feel stupid not putting all the pieces together sooner. Holmes really spells things out for you in his typical cunning way that you really don't see coming.
There are a lot of nods for classic Holmes fans that know about the character. Not to mention the reference to a very classic adversary that was much appreciated by this fan.
All in all from the first few moments of the film, I was smiling throughout. The acting was strong and I actually had no idea there was CGI used in the film. Not to mention that I think this goes right up there with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man. I also really was surprised that this was a Guy Ritchie film and would not have known if I hadn't been following the production of the film. Go see this movie, you will love it.
Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice. Eric shops at TJ's Collectibles. Visit them on the web at www.tjcollect.com!
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