Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and Mark Strong.
Directing: Guy Ritchie
At A Glance:
In a dynamic new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, Sherlock Holmes sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.1
What The Goose?: I am a Sherlock Holmes fan. Though I haven’t read everything ever written by Sir Conan Doyle,2 I do own a collection that contains most of the adventures of the great detective. And, yes, I even read them.
When I first heard this movie was coming, and that the lead role was being filled by Tony Stark Robert Downey, Jr., I was excited! Tossing in Sky Captain Jude Law as Dr. Watson was just icing on the cake. Then, I saw the first of the previews… Well, it certainly looked action-packed and interesting, but I couldn’t recall Holmes ever boxing. “Oh, no big deal,” I thought. “I can handle some liberties.”
Christmas Day came and went. Obviously, I can’t see a movie on that day. Have to spend time with the family. But, New Year’s Day came, and an opportunity for some babysitting presented itself. My wife and I quickly took advantage of it and decided, after hearing some reviews from friends and relatives, that we would take a chance on this one.
Our reaction? We liked it, but something seemed off. Seriously, we still can’t put a finger on it. We very much enjoyed Downey’s Holmes and Law’s Watson. Their portrayals are definitely different from what one typically imagines for these literary characters.3
And Holmes’ fighting? It was original. Twice the viewer was brought along as Holmes went through within seconds in his mind on the best way to incapacitate his opponent, then proceeded to do so. Was it appropriate to the character as written by Sir Conan Doyle? Not sure, really. I want to pull out the stories I have and read through them and see if this is supported in any fashion. Also, Watson turns out to be a pretty darn good fighter as well. And that, honestly, was easier for me to swallow, given his military background.
I have to mention Mark Strong. First of all, one glance at his entry on IMDB shows that he’s quite the popular actor these days,4and though I’ve seen many of the movies in which he’s appeared, I wouldn’t have been able to point him out to you. That has now changed. He made Lord Blackwood,5 his own. Now I want to add many of his movies back to my Netflix queue just to find him and see what he did. Though, I will admit that I kept thinking through the movie that he was really Andy Garcia. Ah well, my bad.6
And Rachel McAdams? Eye candy on the screen and rather believable as Holmes’ old flame, not to mention a criminal mastermind in her own right. It was fun watching the chemistry.
All in all, it’s a very enjoyable flick. And, perhaps, I’m just getting more selective or demanding in my movie expectations. All I can say is, there was just something off in the movie. Not the pacing. Not the acting. Not even the writing. Just… something.
And the verdict? This movie didn’t suck… Though, I really wish it had sucked less than it did.
- Quoted from the Sherlock Holmes movie website. [↩]
- A guy actually named Conan. How cool is that? I wonder why Robert E. Howard chose “Conan” as the name of his most famous barbarian. I’m going to have to see if I can find that one out now. [↩]
- Holmes as a disorganized and disorderly drunk. Watson as rather fastidious in appearance and demeanor, and someone that women would want. [↩]
- He’s going to be in John Carter of Mars and Robin Hood, among others! Holy crap! [↩]
- A name I just have to steal for one of my RPG games. [↩]
- You have to admit, there is a strong likeness. [↩]
“A guy actually named Conan. How cool is that? I wonder why Robert E. Howard chose “Conan” as the name of his most famous barbarian. I’m going to have to see if I can find that one out now.”
Howard likely chose Conan because it’s a fairly established Irish Gaelic name. Howard’s Cimmerians are supposed to be the prehistoric ancestors of the Gaels, so it follows he would use a Gaelic name.
Howard’s list of other Cimmerians is also Irish Gaelic: Eithriall, Eanbotha, Rotheachta, Giallchadh, Cruiadh, Eamhua, Criomnthan, Tuathal and Cumal. Conan fits in with other Gaelic names Howard used in his historical yarns: Cormac, Donal, Turlogh etc.
Interestingly enough, Howard was a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, particularly “The White Company”: he might even have been inspired by his name.
Mr. Harron, thank you so much for stopping by and dropping a comment here. It’s appreciated.
And some very interesting info indeed on one of my all-time favorite authors. Thanks, again!
Now adding The White Company to my list of things to find and read.
I kind of want to see that movie. I’m glad I read your review, but I’m still not sure… I think Jeremy Brett will always be my favorite Holmes. On New Year’s Day I went and saw Avatar 3D which was “okay” but not “inspired” like everyone seems to think. (Pretty, though, and you forget it’s all cgi.)