Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr. in "Sherlock Holmes"
courtesy of Warner Home Entertainment
“Robert Downey, Jr. Strikes Again”

Robert Downey, Jr is “the comeback kid.” After his career almost sank completely under a barrage of alcohol and drug abuse, Downey got himself together and came roaring back. Now he is at the top of his game as is witnessed by “Sherlock Holmes,” a film that rests on his shoulders and was a major hit of the past year. As it arrives on DVD his performance and the film have been celebrated.

Guy Ritchie directed “Sherlock Holmes” and it is a different breed of animal from the traditional ones. Gone is the funny looking hat, the caped coat and the curved pipe. This time out Holmes and Watson are more adventurous, more contemporary, and in Holmes’ case more messed up in the head. The film may offend the purists but more than likely it will attract a brand new audience for this legendary crime solver.

Downey plays Holmes and Jude Law is Watson. They are best friends who share some kind of bond. Holmes can barely function without Watson around and seems quite perturbed that Watson has gotten himself engaged to a nice young woman named Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly). 

There is also a woman in Holmes’ life. Her name is Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) and she and Holmes seem to share some sort of history. She does join in the hunt for a killer in London. Her motives are suspect but Holmes uses her advice and skills whenever he can.

The “killer” aspect is enjoyable and entertaining but after the film is over you can hardly recall what happened or why. All you know is that Professor Moriarity was lurking somewhere in the background and the scene has been set for a sequel.

Downey and Law are very good in their roles and have strong chemistry on screen together. They seem to click much more than Downey and McAdams. They have zero chemistry and McAdams is totally wasted in her role. Maybe they should have just modernized the film all together and had Holmes and Watson as the romantic couple and be done with it.

Ritchie’s direction of the film is to keep the action coming and let the plot elements pop up wherever necessary. To this end we get Holmes as a bare knuckles brawler and also a man who plots out his physical altercations in advance. Some of this “action” works and some of it does not. The special effects are fun and the movie moves at a quick pace.

The fact the movie is titled “Sherlock Holmes” really has no relevance to its content and could just as easily have been titled “Sherl and John’s Excellent Adventure.” It is an action movie with a blend of humor made strong by the performance of the two leads. Its plot is a little murky but for those who can overlook that aspect it will be a fun ride.

For those anticipating a pure “Sherlock Holmes” story, well they will be disappointed. This isn’t your father’s “Sherlock Holmes” or maybe even yours, but it is a way to make those characters (in name only) appeal to the masses.

Another celebrated film of the past year is “An Education.” This film about London in the sixties stars newcomer Carrey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. Mulligan has gained great celebrity from this role and was even nominated for an Oscar.

She plays a sixteen year old girl who has plans to attend college. That is until she comes under the influence of an older man whop seduces her with his life style and wealth. Her family looks the other way as he is so generous and so impressive.

Rosamund Pike, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams and Emma Thompson make up the supporting cast. They all play a role in telling this young woman’s story and how her viewpoint changes with maturity.

The acting is excellent but the story itself was not to my taste. Maybe it is to yours. Also on the DVD you get some deleted scenes as well as a “making of” short program.

Finally there is “IMAX: Under the Sea.” This is a clear look at the natural phenomena that exist beneath the ocean’s waters. Jim Carrey narrates the film and the photography is remarkable. You will not believe the images this crew is able to capture.

For information and enjoyment this is a film the entire family should watch. It is amazing in its detail and its ability to let you see what is “under the sea.” Get the DVD today of “IMAX: Under the Sea.”
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!