OneMetal.com REVIEW:
Sherlock Holmes Hot on the Trail of Action

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle didn’t achieve immediate success with his 1887 craftsmanship of the ingenious British detective Sherlock Holmes, but when the master of disguise’s popularity became as rampant as the plague, there was no limit to his incarnations. Robert Downey Jr. is merely the latest in a long string of actors who have donned a tweet coat and deerstalker hat along with Holmes’ trademark pipe, but the actor eases into the role with unforgiving determination. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the newest adventure takes to the streets of 19th-century London for an action-coated mystery shrouded in black arts and parlor tricks—and of course, a healthy dose of logic provided by the eccentric Holmes and his often wiser friend and doctor, John Watson.

Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), a devious and ardently feared murderer with occult interests, meets a death sentence by hanging thanks to Sherlock and his trusty companion, Watson (Jude Law). While it appears Blackwood’s schemes have literally been laid to rest, the dark predictions he spoke to Holmes in the criminal’s final hours begin to surface when the dead man is spotted wandering about his burial grounds. As Watson endeavors to keep his marriage proposal intact despite Holmes’ brash interference, the duo investigate the strange new occurrences jeopardizing London’s elite. The puzzle becomes more convoluted once Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), world-class thief and Holmes’ old flame, steps foot in London under the sinister employment of a shadowed man later revealed to be a professor by day. Conspiracy and deduction ensues along with a modern touch of action.

Step into 19th-century Britain with upstanding citizen Sherlock Holmes as your guide.

Not everything about the Sherlock Holmes film runs glossy and new around the edges. The cinematic visuals are astounding and incredibly expansive, attending close detail to capturing historical London with a gritty environment and particular dress code. On the other hand, Ritchie sometimes takes the realism too far with night scenes so dimly lit that they compromise what’s on screen—not to mention they’re not easy on the eyes.

Although the film actually fulfills its eye candy quota rather well despite a few bumps, the main focus lies with the story, which is as solid as classic Holmes’ logic. It’s a relief that the spirit of detective mystery so central to the Sherlock Holmes legacy remains elevated; not once is its nature compromised in favor of infamous Hollywood action, though it contains its fair share. The endless twists and tricks underlying the plot are surprisingly convincing and enjoyable—from start to finish, disguise to genius deduction, you’ll be wrapped up in every turn. The movie wonderfully balances action and plot instead of concentrating its attention unevenly, but as a result the commendable decision somewhat backfires. Albeit never unimaginative or humdrum, the pace inscrutably fluctuates from laggard to quick and exciting. At first the movie wastes too much energy on exposition, particularly with the handful of bizarre slow-motion scenarios narrated by Holmes in the early minutes. Yes, we know he’s brilliant—now let’s move on.

Overall, Sherlock Holmes doesn’t disappoint. The movie is well-rounded and features an anomalous soundtrack that curiously ties in with solitary moments of Holmes’ personality. Downey Jr. and Law make a superb adventurous pair of Londoners, and in fact every role (except maybe Kelly Reilly, aka Mary Morstan) is well-acted and refreshingly devoid of melodrama. I kept expecting—like most movies founded on considerable history and fan respect can never seem to resist doing—the well-recognized and famous Holmes-to-Watson tagline, but to my unexpected delight it was never uttered once. The film proves that it doesn’t rely on the series’ own established fame to galvanize its audience, and instead of choosing the origins route, the story dives right into the midst of the characters’ detective partnership and leaves the door open for a sequel at its finish.

Actors both major and minor are believably casted.

Oddly, while there are virtually no exploitable cracks in what is truly a well-executed movie, you’re left with a dry taste in your mouth once the credits roll. The humor feels commonplace, not always winning your favor, and there’s disconcertingly minimal growth in its main characters. Sherlock Holmes probably won’t offer anything fresh with repeated viewings, since its suspense and livelihood depends mostly on the revelation of its secrets. Chances are you won’t be spouting Holmes quotes or recounting fun moments after departing the theater, but you’ll likely be filled with a quaint but good-humored urge for more. That’s your craving for an edge-of-your-seat movie experience talking.

Bottom Line

There's plenty of entertainment supporting the December 2009 film's roughly two hour run-time, and only a few problems that barely dent the larger presentation. However, while the success of Sherlock Holmes might appear elementary, there's a spark missing that ultimately dulls what could have been a wholly enrapturing adventure. And as Holmes would say, tiny details are everything.