Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Sherlock Holmes - Robert Downey Jr.
Dr. John Watson - Jude Law
Irene Adler - Rachel McAdams
Lord Blackwood - Mark Strong
Mary Morstan - Kelly Reilly

Conan Doyle's classic detective is back. However, he has been made over and revamped for his first movie in the U.S. in over 20 years. This makeover included the loss of the well-known banana hat and tweed jacket, only to be replaced by a more fit, more violent, yet just as smart Dr. Holmes. Along with the changes of fashion, we also receive a new, and rather spiritual plot.
*The following may contain spoilers*

Overview

The scene is set in colonial England. The opening scene consists of a carriage chase through the cobblestone streets of London. This chase leads us into a conveniently placed crypt in the London underground. Here, we see an apparent Satanic offering ceremony, as audiences see the first touch of Holmes and Watson's new violent inclinations after they beat down no less then ten baddies. Once Holmes has successfully "neutralized" the enemies, saved the victim and demonstrated his uncanny skills of observation (oh, and lets not forget to hide from the pesky 19th century paparazzi), we are given a little bit more of a story. Turns out, the leader of the Satanic whacko's is named Lord Blackwood and the ceremony Holmes stopped was the sixth of a string of murders, all completed by this Lord Blackwood guy (which I think allows us to classify him as a serial killer). Naturally, Holmes and Watson should be pretty pumped about taking this freak down. Alas, it is not to be. As it turns out, Watson has decided to break up the sly sleuthing dream team so that he can run off and *gasp* get married. Not unexpectedly, Holmes does not take to this news to kindly and is set on breaking up the happy couple.

But before we even have time to toast Watson and his lucky bride (named Mary, by the way), we must accompany the team to Blackwood's hanging. The hanging goes off without a hitch, with the exception of a creepy speech Blackwood gives Holmes, discussing their intertwined destinies which apparently serve a greater purpose. So, after all that, Blackwood is finally put in the ground...literally. Watson pronounces him dead and into the tomb he goes, dead as door nail. But where's the mystery in that?

Three days later, Blackwood rises from the grave, apparently reawaken by his magic powers. And just like that, the game's afoot.

Wait, hold up. We still need a love interest. Conveniently, we get one in the form of Irene Alder (actually, she arrived before Blackwood arose, but, hey, I was on a roll). Irene and Holmes have an obvious, yet unspecified, past with feelings still hot enough to burn the house down. And, coincidentally, she needs the great detective's help (which obviously means she'll be a prominent character in the story).

NOW, the games afoot.

Positive Attributes

Holmes and Watson obviously share a great friendship, repeatedly risking their lives to save each other's. Each realizes that their friendship will change with Watson's marriage fast-approaching. Eventually, Holmes comes to terms with this inevitable change, but not after attempting to change Watson's mind. Meanwhile, even though Irene is a criminal, it is apparent that she and Holmes still care for each other deeply. These emotions cause numerous situations for them to try their best to protect the other. Irene even admits, "Everyone has a weak spot, and...[you (Holmes) are] mine." Also, despite his own feelings about people and situations, Holmes always does the right thing. Including turning Irene over to the authorities after she has offered to run away with him.

Sexual Aspects (1.5)

Sherlock Holmes marks the first U.S. movie of British director Guy Ritchie's not to be rated R. And unlike other movies, Sherlock steers clear of sensuality (though honestly, even if they tried, it'd be difficult to pull the raunchy content custom to Hollywood out of the 1800's). The worst audiences receive is several veiled references Irene makes to Holmes about their quite possibly intimate past. We also see her drop her robe (revealing her bare back to the camera). In the same encounter, she strips his clothes and ties Holmes to a bed with a pillow covering his lap (all off camera). The only reason we see Holmes in this compromising position is because a maid walks in and gets offended after Holmes quips an unintentional innuendo. Several female characters in period dress show cleavage.

Drugs/Alcohol (1)

Irene drugs Holmes (allowing him to be placed in the aforementioned compromising position). Several characters unknowingly take an antidote to a poison. *Spoiler alert* A man is killed by using a chemical to make his bathwater a tub of poison. Characters are shown drinking wine and various other alcoholic drinks.

Spiritual Elements (8)

The entirety of Lord Blackwood's plan revolves around the use of Satanic principals and Biblical references, as well as black magic, resulting in a rather poignant spiritual air throughout the movie. *Spoiler alert* Holmes eventually deduces that it is simply tricks Blackwood is using, not magic. Before that however, audiences see a Satanic sacrificing ceremony, several induction ceremonies and hear numerous references to magical abilities. Audiences also hear Blackwood quoting the book of Revelation.

Music (8.5)

With Sherlock Holmes, I feel the need to discuss the film's music. The score for Sherlock Holmes is magnificent. Guy Ritchie, hoping for something wonderful and unique for the score, called upon Hans Zimmer, the composer and director of the soundtracks for both Pirates of the Caribean: Dead Man's Chest and Pirates of the Caribean: At World's End, as well as The Dark Knight. And Zimmer delivers the goods. He not only successfully manages to compose a score that is unique and original, but also succeeds in capturing the emotion, action and humor of the film, through the use of a symphony, a prominent fiddle or a violin and what sounds like an Irish drinking song. Whatever this blend is, it's awesome and I definitely recommend checking the soundtrack out on iTunes.

Summary

Sherlock Holmes easily made my list of top 5 favorite movies. It has everything you want from a movie; good acting, good plot, action and all the clever wit, deductions and humor that is to be expected from everyone's favorite, Baker-Street-residing detective duo. The new spin on the characters is nice as well. Their rugged, yet defined demeanor and dry, quick wit, as well as their conflicting personality types, makes Watson and Holmes entertaining to watch, even when nothing significant s happening. This makes for a great overall feel for the movie. Plus the revelation at the end makes you want to stand up and cheer. My personal rating is 9 of 10. I highly recommend checking this movie, and it's soundtrack out.

Personal Rating: 9

Plot: 8.5

Sexuality/Sensuality: 1.5

Spiritual Aspects: 8

Drugs/Alchohol: 1

Music: 8.5

Written by: Spencer Stephens