Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams
TMG Scale: 7.5
This is a solid effort at Sherlock Holmes. TMG was never a big Sherlock buff but this movie turned him on to this late 19th Century legend of London detective. Think NCIS and a bit absent minded and drunk Mark Harmon.
I really had a hard time getting into this movie the first fifteen minutes, as I had no idea where it was going. But like any good director, Guy Ritchie just kept sucking and tugging me in(remember Snatch with Brad Pitt from 2000? That was Guy Ritchie).
I don’t care what you think of Robert Downey, Jr. but the guy is one of the finest actors of our time. Jude Law gave the more stoic and sensible Dr. Watson a solid an endearing portrayal. All said, I recommend the film to almost anyone but suggest it for a Sunday afternoon versus Friday night. If you like to play board games like Clue and enjoy the television shows CSI and NCIS, but have not read Sherlock Holmes tales since childhood, you will dig this movie. What would a die-hard Sherlock Holmes aficionado think? I have no idea because TMG does not hang with those kinds of folks. The cinematography is a pleasure and the costumes outstanding. Some of the special effects are pleasing but jokingly fake—but you almost expect that with an old storybook classic.
A quick aside: I saw this one at the Cinema Grill in Downtown Dallas. They do a nice twist apart from AMC on the drink and dine-in move concept. No minimum charge and order at will. TMG would like to see more menu variety but these new cinema venues are off to a good start.