Movie: Sherlock Holmes

Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” is a first-rate action adventure movie. Robert Downey, Jr (“RDJ” according to Jon Favreau’s Twitter stream) is just about perfect for this role, which requires wit, gravitas and a surprising dose of physicality. Jude Law is an even better choice as Dr. Watson. He alone sees Holmes at his worst and still loves him unreservedly. Mark Strong as the evil Lord Blackwood is perfectly cast, as is Kelly Reilly as Watson’s betrothed Mary. The only sour note in terms of casting is Rachel McAdams as Holme’s femme fatale Irene Adler. Holmes is continually telling Irene that in the dangerous game that unfolds she is in over her head. That’s the problem with McAdams. As cute as she is, she is just no match for RDJ, Law and Strong. She just doesn’t carry the weight.

The plot is fine and somewhat reminiscent of “From Hell”, the Hughes’ brothers terrible adaptation of the brilliant Alan Moore’s graphic novel of the same name. Mysterious murders, possibly linked to a Victorian secret society. Holmes has to unravel all of this, stop the bad guys, save the girl and wield his world-class deductive skills in high style.
The insistence by Holmes that the mysterious goings-on have a rational, scientific explanation is a refreshing point of emphasis in these times where “faith” and “belief” so often contend with fact and logic.
The reboot of the Holmes mythos, where Holmes is a bit of a badass is surprisingly effective. I would not have said that Sherlock Holmes needed to be able to crack heads as RDJ does in this movie, but it works quite well. They lose the iconic hat and coat, and even his pipe is no longer a Meerschaum. RDJ, of course, has none of the bird-like looks that we normally associate with Holmes; in fact he is incredibly fit in this movie.
The Moriarty character is introduced and Holmes and Watson survive (hopefully no spoiler) so that sequel(s) seem inevitable. If Ritchie stays involved, that is a partnership I look forward to.
The music is great; mostly Celtic-based instrumentals, with plenty of violin. I’ll get my hands on the soundtrack and check it out, for sure.
Sherlock Holmes sneaks in as one of the best movies of 2009.