My thoughts on Sherlock Holmes

Having not lived in the U.S. for a while, I don't hear many reviews of the latest Hollywood releases.  Since I spent the Christmas and New Year's holidays in California, however, I did get some feedback on Guy Ritchie's latest caper/adventure flick, Sherlock Holmes.

One viewer described his disappointment that Ritchie insisted on using technology in the film that clearly wasn't available in the 1800s.  I thought that interesting, as I would think that the biggest complaint of the film would be how loosely based on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle it would prove to be.  (Might I also add that I find it interesting that the Conan Doyle family keeps extending the copyright on Sir Arthur's work?  Because the 70 years after an author's death just isn't enough time to keep the royalty checks rolling in...)

Regardless, I went to see it. 

Here are a few of my initial thoughts about the movie:

• This is hands-down the best role I have ever seen Jude Law choose.  He is not one of my favorite actors, but he is a gifted actor, and the role of Watson clearly displayed his talent.
• I still love Robert Downey Jr.  Not in the "wanna marry him" way, but in the "he is SUCH a great actor" kind of way.  Thank goodness he's off the drugs (again).
• Guy Ritchie knows how to make a stylistically superior film.  The texture of all the sets and cinematography and costumes - just beautiful.

Unfortunately, all that being said, I had a lukewarm response to the picture.  Not good, not bad.  I liked it, but will not be forever changed by the experience.  Moreover, I have a few nitpicky issues about it (warning: plot spoilers ahead):

• When Rachel McAddams' character, Irene Adler, falls off the unfinished suspension bridge, the viewer will easily assume that she is a goner.  However, she is completely fine - nary a scratch - and there is ZERO explanation of how she can fall hundreds of feet and land on a pier without injury.
• When Holmes places the handcuffs on Adler after the aforementioned fall off a bridge, should it be assumed that he is going to send her to jail?  Holmes just walks away and we neither see nor hear anything about Adler thereafter.
• The members of the secret society that researches and dabbles in black magic supposedly drink a potion that will immunize them to the effects of cyanide in gas form.  Is that even possible?
• Perhaps most annoying is the device that so many filmmakers use today: not cleanly closing the film, leaving it wide open for a sequel.  This movie closes with Holmes re-opening the case, when he realizes that the man who has been blackmailing Irene Adler is still at-large and has stolen a piece of a newly created chemical weapon.  I find it very irritating to finish a film and find no closure in it.

So take my comments for what they are worth (generally, next to nothing; after all, it was nominated for several Golden Globes, one of which was taken home by the very able, and very talented, Robert Downey Jr. for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy). 

My final word: Sure, absolutely see this movie.  Despite it's flaws (in my humble opinion), you will be entertained and dazzled by the on-screen chemistry between the title characters, the talented acting, Ritchie's stylization, and the happy banter so necessary to a successful (if a bit fluffy) caper/adventure film.