Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson
investigate a plot to destroy the English government. ACTION/CRIME
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Sherlock Holmes (2009)Directed by Guy Ritchie
Written by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan Based on characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Oscar Nominations - Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer), Best Art Direction |
Of all the people to bring one of fiction's most famous heroes to life for the modern age, Guy Ritchie was definitely the man to do it. Sherlock Holmes is a wonderfully enjoyable blockbuster with heart that will keep you guessing the entire time. With its smart script and memorable characters, this film has been a firm favorite of mine ever since its release.
Robert Downey Jr. can count this among his comeback roles, as he plays a genius Holmes who is completely unaware of how standoffish he really is. He also helps give Holmes a bit of an action hero flair that he's never had before, and while that may have been a move by the studio to scare up a franchise, it adds to the character. His chemistry with Jude Law, who portrays the consistently annoyed Dr. Watson, is impeccable. Together, they make this film entertaining again and again. Rachel McAdams and Mark Strong were great as well, providing a strong leading lady and an equally strong villain. I liked how the film teased black magic throughout, but came through in the end by not abandoning Holmes's scientific roots. The real star of this film, however, is Hans Zimmer's amazing score. His string-heavy action theme is one of his best compositions and it helps establish a setting of turn of the century London. With the tease of Professor Moriarty on the horizon, Sherlock Holmes succeeds in creating an exciting franchise out of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's timeless characters. It's got that Guy Ritchie flavor with a Robert Downey Jr. zing, resulting in a great film all around. |