Detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and his stalwart partner Watson (Jude Law) engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis (Mark Strong) whose plot is a threat to all of England.

Can I just say, what a freakin’ relief this movie wasn’t a typical Guy Ritchie as the commercial trailers advertised. Though I enjoyed Ritchie’s other films (Snatch, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, RockNRolla), I did want his Holmes movie to be as authentic and rich as a period piece set in the late 19th century London should be. I just love period pieces set in this period because of the costumes and settings and the possibilities in story lines given the technological and cultural restrictions of the time. Anyway, Ritchie’s directorial eye and Robert Downey Jr.’s magnetic screen presence and wit make for a match made in movie heaven. Jude Law was also fantastic (and delicious) as Holmes’ sidekick, Watson.

The best and most surprising thing about Ritchie’s version of Sherlock Holmes is that although the plot is based in mysticism, it’s not about sorcery. The story is grounded with proof of science and political conspiracy, both of which don’t “explain away” the mysticism but makes you think about the nature, purpose and truth of the seemingly inexplicable not just back then in 19th century England but even now. At one point in the movie Holmes comments on the terrible implications of someone like his nemesis using technology disguised as mysticism to manipulate and destroy. How relevant is that today! In the Sherlock Holmes stories, Holmes is known for being a thoughtful detective and Watson for being a judicious doctor and this re-imagined adaptation stays true to that. As the plot unfolds it’s clear this isn’t your typical ‘who dunnit’, but how and why. As the movie progresses you begin to see the cracks in the crystal ball, and suddenly you’re learning the secrets of magicians tricks. However, you’re not disappointed, ’cause the tricks are evil and too elaborate not to be excited to solve.

Though Downey’s Holmes is a little more rough around the edges than the Sherlock Holmes most us have come to know in stories and other screen adaptation, he’s certainly more human and engaging than any televised version I’ve seen on BBC, and I’ve seen almost all. Most important, his character is made relevant because the plot – using smoke and mirrors to take over the world – is relevant too.

Love it. Rent it. Buy it!

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