Review: "SHERLOCK HOLMES"

A recent cinematic fad occurring the last several years has been the practice of the "reboot". Unlike the "remake" of a single movie (where the basic story remains while characters are changed slightly or significantly, i.e. Ocean's Eleven, King Kong, and practically every horror movie), a reboot takes an established franchise and starts anew, with a fresh beginning (such as Christopher Nolan's recent Batman films, the Daniel Craig James Bond reboot, and even the latest Star Trek film-- though it'd probably be more accurate to describe the latter as both a prequel AND an in-continuity reboot).

While some may balk at the idea of reimagining beloved characters in new and even drastic ways, the upside is that the "reboot" can overlook the stale direction the previous franchise eventually took, and start completely fresh, introducing the characters to a new generation while still maintaining the core roots of the original idea.

The latest addition to this trend is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary Victorian-era detective in director Guy Ritchie's stylish, fast-paced, and inventive Sherlock Holmes. A highly entertaining update on the famous sleuth, Holmes may add details to the character that may raise the eyebrows of purists, but such qualms are overlooked by two terrific lead performances.

London, circa. 1890's. Eccentric yet brilliant private detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his more reserved colleague/roommate Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) are the best sleuths in England, gaining both the respect and the ire of Scotland Yard for their unorthodox methods and consistent results. However, Sherlock believes that their partnership and friendship are being threatened by Watson's need to settle down, especially when he plans to propose to his girlfriend Mary (Kelly Reilly).

After the duo help capture murderous cult leader Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), Watson prepares to move out of their flat, causing Holmes to become more reclusive than ever. However, their troubles are compounded after Blackwood's execution: the Satanic leader has apparently risen from his grave, inciting fear in the people of London, and is preparing to unleash unfathomable destruction on Parliament and, eventually, all of England.

As such, Holmes and Watson must put aside their differences and hunt down Blackwood before he kills millions, all while Sherlock contends with the return of a past romantic interest in the form of American Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), whose allegiances may or not be in question.

As his previous Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels have shown, Ritchie has an enormous flair for visual storytelling. His depiction of Victorian England is absolutely gorgeous, a bleak, Steampunk metropolis emulating the era's grubby urban landscape with amazing detail.

However, the biggest problem some may have with Sherlock Holmes is the newest reincarnation of the title character. While Sir Arthur's original version was an eccentric genius with an eye for obsessive detail, this version is Holmes-meets-action hero, adding elements barely touched upon in either the original books or the Basil Rathbone serials of the '30s (not to mention deleting the character's infamous addiction to opium): most notably, the fact that Sherlock is a highly proficient martial artist and pit fighter. But quite frankly, the method of how Holmes fights (imagining the battle beforehand move by move, after which it unfolds in a lightning-fast array of punches, kicks, and grapples) fits in perfectly with Holmes' meticulous nature. It also adds a layer of "bad ass" to a character who, being a seasoned detective, would naturally have effective combat abilities.

But such action-heavy sensibilities tend to derail the proceedings, becoming too over-the-top and even silly when it comes to the action, mayhem, and destruction, and the outrageousness feels like it belongs in another movie entirely.

Luckily, all that is tempered by the fabulous lead performance by Hollywood's Comeback King, Mr. Robert Downey Jr. Ever since reviving his career with last year's terrific Iron Man, earning a Best Supporting Oscar nomination for his riotous turn in Tropic Thunder, and reestablishing his dramatic skills with The Soloist, Downey continues his hot streak in his amazing recreation of the famous detective. Almost autistic and savant-like in his brilliant deduction skills, Downey's Holmes is a fabulous recreation of the character, embellished by Downey's natural charisma and snarky attitude.

Also highly entertaining is Jude Law as Holmes' best friend and irritable sidekick John Watson. Unlike Nigel Bruce's classic performances as the ultimate bumbling sidekick, this Watson is more than capable when it comes to fighting and saving Holmes' fat from the fire on multiple occasions. The "Odd Couple"-style bickering between Holmes and Watson is absolutely hilarious, and Downey and Law's rapport is wonderful. And though they're good in their respective roles, Mark Strong and the lovely Rachel McAdams aren't characterized enough to keep up with the lead performers.

As stated before, a reboot of a character as beloved and venerable as Sherlock Holmes can be a risky move. But such sentiments were made about Batman and James Bond before their respective reimaginations, and those fears were immediately allayed after the characters were given an amazingly fresh take. Thanks to highly imaginative direction by Ritchie, engaging performances by Robert Downey and Jude Law, fast-paced editing, a clever screenplay, and a catchy period-appropriate score by Hans Zimmer, Sherlock Holmes may very well be a solid rebirth for a classic franchise.

Letter Grade: "B+"