Review: Sherlock Holmes

Grade: A

Sherlock Holmes is on the case once again. Along with his trusted partner Dr. Watson, Holmes finally catches the mysterious serial killer and occult sorcerer Lord Blackwood and can successfully close yet another case. Holmes struggles to find a case appetizing enough for him to take while trying to cope with the fact that Watson is engaged and moving out. Then, the perfect case appears when Lord Blackwood mysteriously comes back from the grave and continues his killing spree. Facing off against Watson's fiancé, the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard and the dangerous advances of the temptress Irene Adler, Holmes must seek out the clues that will lead him down a treacherous path of murder, deceit and black magic.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous character has been in movies and entertainment since 1905, producing dozens of movies, radio programs and television shows. Director Guy Ritchie (Rocknrolla, Snatch) brings us the latest incantation, and he does a great job. Ritchie brings his gritty filmmaking style to the famous character, showcasing his wits and keen detection skills while also making Holmes an agile, brawling, in-your-face action hero. Ritchie reinvents these characters brilliantly for the 21st century all the while staying true to the 120+ year old character leaving in plenty of winks to the original books, movies and TV shows.

The performances in the movie were all top notch as well. I can clearly see now how Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) got a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the titular character, Sherlock Holmes. Downey Jr. gave a brilliant and at times funny performance of the sleuth. His accent was authentic and his mannerisms worked so well for the character. Jude Law (The Holiday, The Aviator) plays the role of Dr. John Watson. Jude Law did a fantastic job with this character in one of his better performance, I really enjoyed it. Mark Strong (Stardust, Rocknrolla) plays the role of Lord Blackwood. Strong was great and very eerie and gruesome as Lord Blackwood, truly terrifying at times. Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveler's Wife, State Of Play) played the role of Irene Adler. McAdams was very impressive as the temptress who is secretly in love with Holmes while at the same time trying to kill him.

This movie is great and well worth watching. I do believe that everyone can enjoy it, from people who don't know much about Sherlock Holmes to the diehard Holmes fans. This movie is beautiful and the story is very engaging and all the performances are fantastic. Go check it out, you won't regret it.

Great Quote: "Oh no, he's killed the dog again."