In my opinion, Sherlock Holmes movie was a slight disappointment especially compared to the BBC TV series starring Cumberbatch.
It is a bit hollow spectacle, enjoyable, but the flashy style overlooks the basic element of deduction which Holmes is known for. The movie made him out to be a brawler with fighting skills and less of an intellectual, solving crime truly on the basis of his genius.
Undoubtedly the cinematography is utterly beautiful with the slow-motion explosions and fight scenes. Though I could have done with a little less action and a little more reasoning.
Also, the relationship between Holmes and Watson was quite different from as portrayed in the books with Watson spending most of his time away from the investigations and both of them not sharing the screen space together.
The other downside is that the characters directly jump into the plot without really going into the backstories for either of the leads, which would have been a very nice touch.
At times, the film does seem to drag on, but the end is very much fast paced and keeps you on the edge.
With Guy Ritchie, who is known for making gangster flicks, directing this one, it was not as dumb and brainless as it could’ve been. And is actually entertaining with a new flavour to the old classic.