At the Movies with Fatwayne

Robert Downey, Jr. portrays a quirky version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, in this latest adaptation of the classic detective. He does this with quite a bit of aplomb and wit not to mention his martial arts ability which he puts to good use as he combats an assortment of bullies and ghoulies! Jude Law plays his doctor/war hero buddy, Dr. John Watson, and the two men do a delightful job of playing off each other.

The story is set in 1891 London and involves a rather spooky villain named Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who is conducting occult rituals and human sacrifices in an attempt to gain immortality and great physical powers. After quite a bit of trouble, Holmes and Watson manage to capture Blackwood and turn him over to the authorities.  Blackwood goes through the legal process and is sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence is ultimately carried out and, after being declared dead by Dr. Watson, he is interred in a tomb under heavy slabs of rock. Miraculously, he is seen about town seemingly risen from the dead! Almost immediately the killing spree resumes and Sherlock Holmes is back on the case with the help of his trusted colleague, Dr. Watson.

There are other well cast characters such as Holmes’ foil/love interest, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) and Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) who plans to wed the lucky Dr. Watson (much to Holmes dismay). Mark Strong as Lord Henry Blackwood and Robert Maillet as Dredger, Blackwoods giant of a henchman do admirable jobs in their roles adding danger coupled with giggles to keep us amused.

There are also several clever devices introduced that would be considered advanced for their time. One is an electrical prod used by Holmes as he tries to defend himself from the giant Dredger. The other is a chemical weapon devised by Blackwood and his minions to aid his climb in the British government.

The plot was intricate but entertaining and the scenery was fun to gaze at. All in all, it was a very enjoyable movie although a bit lengthy at two hours and fifteen minutes. I would be happy to recommend the film to you, my friends!

Quotes from Sherlock Holmes
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Fatwayne’s Rating   -   -