Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Hey, this movie finally happened! And it's a fun time. Robert Downey, Jr plays the eponymous genius detective, who's been passive-aggressively handling the prospect of his roommate Dr Watson (Jude Law) moving out to get married. His last case, which involved catching black magic practitioner Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) about to ritualistically murder another young girl, ended three months ago and he's going stir crazy in his apartment. When Blackwood appears to have risen from the grave, Holmes is back on the case with a reluctant Watson in tow. They trace the connection between a dwarf scientist, a secret alliance of benevolent old white dude sorcerers (basically the magic version of the Republican Party), and Blackwood himself. Holmes' old flame and con artist Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) shows up to help, but it's clear she has a personal interest in the mystery. There's lots of fighting, deducing, quips, awesome turn-of-the-century costumes, and near-death experiences all around.

I enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes stories when I was a kid, but they didn't particularly stick with me, so I don't have any kind of strong attachment to the character. I'm cool with a "re-imagining" of him and his exploits, and I think bringing in more modern and action-packed elements was a good idea. The story itself is so-so, becoming less of a mystery and more of a "stop the bad guy before it's too late" kind of thing. I would have preferred more of a twisty-turny mystery personally, but the script was more concerned with other things, like Holmes' and Watson's relationship issues and various random acts of violence. This is my first Guy Ritchie film, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Mostly I liked the old-timey look of everything, but thought there was too much use of slow-motion.

The film is entertaining for its multiple exciting chase scenes and fights, but made that much better by the performances of RDJ and Law. Their bickering old couple relationship is adorable, and the two have really good chemistry as these best friends who totally want to make out with each other. Of course RDJ, one of the best actors ever, didn't disappoint and brings his mumbling wit to many a funny joke or clever observation. I've always been lukewarm with Jude Law, but he impressed me here as Watson, making him a bit more badass than I'd have expected and a lot more likable. Rachel McAdams is ok- she isn't bad, but I don't feel like she brought anything special to the admittedly underwritten role. Looking sharp in those tweed pants and waistcoat, though!

Sherlock Holmes is definitely entertaining, but not phenomenal. I dug it for the cast and source material, but was a little underwhelmed with the final product. I look forward to the next installment, with the hope that Holmes and Watson will finally admit their true feelings, and we can finally have some handsome action stars who are also gay role models.

4/5