My Movie Review on Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Salutations, my good chaps.
This is your friendly film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
And today, I'm gonna give you guys my 98th film analysis by reviewing "Sherlock Holmes".
Here's the summary of this film *Clears throat*:
After capturing the villainous Lord Blackwood, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson believe it to be cased closed until what comes next for them. In the wake of Blackwood's hanging, though, the authorities inform Holmes and Watson that, somehow, Blackwood was spotted to be alive and well, like he came back from the dead.
A string of murders suddenly makes itself known in London, and Holmes and Watson find themselves embroiled in a case where the fate of the world is in their hands.
Will the crime-solving duo somehow stop Blackwood from completing his dark scheme? Or will the world be thrown into chaos and ruin?
Along the way, the duo are unexpectedly aided by the cunning Irene Adler, who's secretly working for someone. And, Watson is set to marry the beautiful Mary Morstan.
Now before I get to the positives of this movie, I'd like to start this review off with the only minor negatives I found. Firstly, I couldn't help but find some moments with Blackwood to be uncomfortably freaky and intense. That and there were a couple of camera shots that felt a little disorienting and out of place, such as an upside down camera shot of one of Blackwood's minions running from Holmes.
Other than that, though, the film as a whole was a thrilling, mysterious, and unpredictable rollercoaster ride that I don't think anyone would want to pass up.
For instance, the direction by Guy Ritchie, the story by Lionel Wigram and Michael Robert Johnson, and the screenplay by Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and Simon Kinberg, were marvelously accomplished. Aided by the writing, I loved how Ritchie's style of directing translated into the film like he was born for it. He created a mystery-thriller that was intriguing on a hook, line, and sinker level, while also giving the film drama, heart, humor, and wit.
As a plus, the film showcased another one of the best musical scores done by Hans Zimmer. Along with creating the kind of music that was absolutely perfect for the film's setting and genre, Zimmer gave his music a sense of something extremely unique, which aided the film in being different. Additionally, he incorporated magnificent energy and feeling of high stakes for the action scenes.
Finally, the acting, casting, characters, and character development were astounding. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law were literally born for the parts of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and the chemistry and brotherly bond between the two characters was remarkably original for an adaption of Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams was also quite a scene-stealer portraying Irene Adler, as it seemed like only she could generate a character who could go toe-to-toe with Holmes. And lastly, Mark Strong was the perfect choice for the character of Blackwood, creating a villain that's not only reminiscent to the kind of villains from the 1900s, but also one that's three-dimensional and fully realized.
In conclusion, despite the slight flaws I mentioned at the beginning, "Sherlock Holmes (2009)" is an undeniably epic film that showcases its cast and production crew at one of their very best, and it brings franchise potential that's quite likely strong enough to give James Bond and Mission Impossible a run for their money.
So, I rate "Sherlock Holmes (2009)" 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Stay tuned for my review of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" coming soon.
