Review: Sherlock Holmes

Movie: Sherlock Holmes * Trailer * Official Site	In Theaters: Dec. 25, 2009
Runtime: 128 minutes	Directed by: Guy Ritchie
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material	Gecko Rating:

QUICK TAKE: Love the setting of 1890s London, and Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams are all fantastic actors. But the storyline drags a bit in spots.

FULL REVIEW: I saw “Sherlock Holmes” yesterday with a theater full of Christmas moviegoers. I was surprised that so many people came out, but like me, they probably wanted to get their fill of Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.

The story takes place in 1890s London, in the midst of the Industrial Revolution where gritty workers co-mingle on the streets with wealthy Victorians. The landscape of the city is nothing short of glorious, with new technology like a work-in-progress massive suspension bridge layered over stout old architecture.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) has finally caught the serial killer and occult “sorcerer” Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). Holmes and trusted ally Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) are ready to close the book on another puzzling case.

More after the jump…

But as Blackwood is about to be hanged, he warns Holmes that death has no power over him. Indeed, after Watson pronounces him dead and the murderer is laid in a coffin in the ground, Blackwood rises from the dead to resume his killing spree, calling on the dark arts to achieve his nefarious goals.

Meanwhile, Watson is about to embark on a new life and marry the lovely Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly). Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) is a woman from America who has a tempestuous past with Holmes – and may not be working in his best interest. And Scotland Yard’s Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan) is both impressed and confounded by the great Sherlock Holmes.

Along with the human stars of this movie is another star – the city of London, with director Guy Ritchie making the most of every detail, from the horse-drawn carriages to the dirty street urchins to the vintage clothing. I don’t think a single detail was missed. It’s really quite spectacular, and I can’t do it justice with words, so check out the photos at the end of this review.

Downey, Jr.’s portrayal of the detective is also glorious. He’s a scrappy, inquisitive guy who spends days alone in his room littered with papers, inventions and everything under the sun. He looks as if he throws on whatever clothes happen to be nearest on the floor. He also plays the violin, experiments with drugs on Watson’s dog, and is an expert fighter, including martial arts, swords and boxing. Holmes sees every small detail, which both helps him solve crimes and analyze people – a skill that gets him in trouble with Mary.

I love the bromance between Holmes and Watson, although there’s a lot of talking, so some of the plot drags a bit. That’s the one downfall of the movie, although everything else, including the action, is fantastic. Ritchie does these slow-motion shots of the boxing ring and bare-knuckles fighting that catches every drop of sweat and blood.

I also have to mention the superb musical score. Some of the action and fight scenes feature frantic violin music, which is appropriate since Holmes plays the violin.

If you’re a fan of Guy Ritchie films, any of the actors, or movies set in the late 1800s, you should definitely check out “Sherlock Holmes.” Just be prepared to slog through a bit of the storyline.

NOTE TO PARENTS: The PG-13 rating is on target. There are lots of fighting scenes and one scene where Holmes is handcuffed to a bed with a pillow over this private parts. Other than that, it’s mostly action and a bit of dark arts.

Images: TM and (c) 2008 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc