Sherlock Holmes

Overall Score: 76

Director: Guy Ritchie

Run Time: 128 mins

Rating: PG-13

Viewer Bias: 8

Sherlock Holmes was released theatrically on Christmas day - during Oscar season. Therefore, many critics may over-think Sherlock Holmes when it is simply an entertaining movie released during a season when every film out there is trying to hit home its "artsy" style or is a cheesy Christmas movie. However, taking a look at if for the first time on the Blu-Ray release and months after The Hurt Locker napped Oscar away from Avatar (thank you) it's easier to just sit back and watch a movie just for entertainment. If you're in the mindset to watch a "movie" and not a "film" Sherlock Holmes is a lot of fun with a few stumbles along the way.


Direction: 7

Director Guy Ritchie produced an entertaining movie-going venture released at the height of Oscar season - see above. However, the film's acting feels a little too loose despite some rather impactful visuals and a great story.


Editing: 7

The film's editing worked very well in conjunction with its strong cinematography. Most notably were the film's process shots which provided a first-person insight into Holmes's thought process.


Acting: 6

I really don't mind Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, or Rachel McAdams (I'm not familiar with villain Mark Strong), but I was sadly disappointed with their acting in Sherlock Holmes. I had a very difficult time even understanding Downey and his less than superb British accent and I was looking for a more pompous personality from him. Sort of like an English Tony Stark. For whatever reason Rachel McAdams was absolutely terrible and unconvincing. Finally, Jude Law gave the best performance in the film although not too memorable.


Writing: 9

The writing in Sherlock Holmes was superb. From the witty banter between Holmes and Watson to the meticulous detail and careful attention given to each intrinsic examination made by the detective, the writing was fresh and intelligent. Certainly a welcome surprise in a mystery/action flick.


Story: 8

I was worrying about the story throughout most of the film. Not having a strong grasp of any background surrounding the Sherlock Holmes tales, it was hard for me to expect anything aside from the knowledge that he was supposed to be the world's greatest and most astute detective. I could understand how the film's villain - Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) - acts as a logical juxtaposition from Holmes with his magical insight into the fantastic, but I was afraid the film was taking a turn in favor of the evil magician. Luckily, the wit and careful logic of Holmes wins out and so does the story for making me think twice about its direction.


Cinematography: 9

Another strength of the film was its cinematography. The varied palette of creative shots adds another artistic dimension to the film and showcases its set design and special effects. Of course, dramatic, slow motion shots are always a plus when done correctly.


Special Effects: 7

Although the art direction of the film added to the illusion of 19th century England, some of its special effects were...noticeable. One clear example was a flailing spool in one scene in a metal shipyard. Jude Law may have narrowly escaped the 2-ton piece of vulcanized steel, but he was in no clear danger because of how painfully obvious CGI which is the the biggest complaint against an over-reliance on CGI special effects (Indiana Jones).


Music: 7

Throughout the film, I keep contemplating the music and how it interacts with each scene. A majority of the film's musical score is as whimsical as Downey's and Law's interaction with one another with of a few of Hans Zimmer's more brutal and heavy-handed themes similar to the Pirates of the Caribbean. However, it does its job for the most part - I just wouldn't run out and buy the soundtrack.


Wow Factor: 8

Sherlock Holmes does come with a few "wow" moments - mainly from its cinematography - but it's story isn't so bad either. This is a summer movie that found it's way to Christmas Day.

MOVIE - 76