Sher’lock stock and two smokin barrels’ Holmes
Directed by.
Starring.
"Yo Wasson. c’mmon now. don freakin turn me ou."
"What the d’ya meen ba tat?"
"aye aye aye no cursin now.wasss jus pressin on waasss moe essential."
.And I woke up from my bed!. breathing heavily.
It was only a dream!
I ve been having a bit of those lately. like many other People who ve read Sherlock Holmes and watched Guy Ritchie. :-)
A comic nightmare - That s exactly what came to my mind when I heard Guy Ritchie was gonna be the helm of the movie that was coming out on Sherlock Holmes after decades. Now Don’t blame me! Had I not been told Robert Downey Jr(Iron man) was playing Holmes. I was like half-expecting he’d put Gerard Butler(King leonidas of 300) as Sherlock Holmes and Jason Statham as Dr. John Watson.
But Nonetheless I knew deep inside that Ritchie was far smarter than that. The movie was Really well made. Its not 5 star material but yes it is a movie worth watching.and a collection!
The story is NOT an original Sherlock Holmes story but a script that borrows its characters from the books by legendary Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The script has indeed managed to hold the suspense, disbelief and intrigue of any Sherlock Holmes thriller.
The films tells of the story of Lord Balckwood… a black magician assumed to have limitless powers granted to him by virtue of his sorcery. Holmes arrests him for the murder of 5 young women and he is sentenced to death. A few days later he rises from his grave and starts killing and spreading fear…just as he said he would before ‘dying’. The apparently separated duo of Holmes and Watson get to work right away to stop the panic or so they think…without knowing what really lies ahead of them! Two sub plots deal with Watson’s fiancé’ Mary and an offer made to Holmes from mystery woman Irene. What happens later on is told in typical Guy Ritchie style.
The best part of the movie is the way it has been handled. The terrific screenplay and restless camera make sure that you don’t have one dull moment. Without any doubt, the parts of the movie are where we are led into Holmes’ mind and made to think the way he would are the best! The scenes where the plot unfolds are simply flawless!
Robert Downey shines as a more cranky, wise-cracking and down to earth Sherlock Holmes. His acting and dialogue delivery have been modified aptly to suit the role of the detective, though his age does give him up in quite a few scenes. His sense of humor and his timing in dialogues right from his Stand-up comedy days come as a boon to lighten up what would have otherwise been a serious plot.
Jude Law Stars as John Watson. A perfect choice for a noble looking doctor with style, strength and care for his friend. He has done his home work and clearly does his best for the character. His performance in this role and his explosive on-screen chemistry with Downey keep the movie on track and provides an enjoyable ride
The movie has quite a few interesting characters like Irene Adler, Lord Blackwood, Lord Coward, Mary, A man without a face, a monster of a man who does not talk English and Watson’s cute little bull dog.
Mark Strong does his part as good as ever as Lord Blackwood. He could ve been a little more fiery though. For a black magician he seems quite…. gentlemanly:-)
Then there is Irene Adler, the female replica of Sherlock Holmes, who has an advantage no other living soul enjoys – Holmes fears her! He’s both attracted and intimidated by her…. Everything! her intelligence, style of combat and beauty(now its getting interesting ain’t it?) Rachael McAdams scores confidently as Irene adler with an innocent face and a not-so-innocent approach to her relationship with Holmes.
The smaller parts have all been played to perfection. One can’t help but tug along with the storyline and suspense. The director has stuck to the essentials and at the same time has skillfully blended his trademark humour and action(with his signature slow-mation shots) with it. You have to admire his passion for film-making.
The sets and graphics depicting 19th century London were fantastic. The streets, horse drawn carriages, the on-going construction of the suspension bridge over Thames, architecture of old London, the people and their English! Talk about it! It’s come out as a visual treat.
I always love looking back into the old times. Vikings, cowboys, musketeers, pirates.detectives! And I am not complaining:-)
It’s a Sherlock Holmes Holiday and I wouldn’t want u to miss it. That said, I can’t wait for part 2. which may start a new plot and a whole new story line.
Verdict – Recommended
Direction – 9/10
Technical aspects – 9/10
Dialogue & screenplay – 10/10
Casting – 8/10
Climax – 10/10!