Sherlock Holmes Story (2009)

Dr. Watson too seems to be fed up with Holmes early on in the movie. He speaks to Sherlock in a derisive manner that seems out of character to previous representations. And he seems all too willing to part company with Holmes to start a new life which is not at all like he was portrayed in past movies or the Jeremy Brett Granada Television Series. There is something fresh about a more forthright Watson and while it was not missed before, it is not entirely without merit in this new characterization. Dr. Watson has evolved.

One of my favorite scenes in Sherlock Holmes Story takes place early on in the Royal where Holmes is to be introduced to Dr. Watson's romantic interest, Mary. He hears every sound around him. He sees everything in his field of vision and one gets a feel of how overwhelming his acute senses must be and how much control he must exert on himself to be able to remain calm and subdued. It was a very revealing scene and well done.

Robert Downey Jr. brings a lot to Sherlock Holmes that even dear Jeremy Brett would never have been able to offer. The underlying character of the person comes through in many instances and one is not the least bit surprised that this Sherlock likes to fight. One thing I really liked was that Robert Downey Jr. used a sort of slapping attack very similar to one used by Jeremy Brett. It looked far more athletic in this movie and could never have been proffered with as much machismo by the much thinner Jeremy. Robert Downey Jr. has a surprisingly impressive physique.

This Sherlock Holmes story brings magic to the plot. A cult of men believe that an ancient set of rituals help them direct world events in a positive way. A particularly evil member, who was conceived during a cult ritual, wants world domination and his idea of a new world order to prevail as he demonstrates his power to the terror of London. Lord Blackwood is played by Mark Strong who comes across magnificently both humorless and wicked. Only Holmes can see what is really happening as the illusion of magic captures the hearts and minds of the fearful people when confronted with a resurrection.

There are science experiments and corpses mixed liberally with explosions, giants, midgets, and acrobatics as Holmes and Watson strive to stay alive in this battle with the devil incarnate.

A tension of attraction between Holmes and a lady with whom he is familiar is another huge difference between the Sherlock Holmes of Jeremy Brett and the Sherlock Holmes story starring Robert Downey Jr. Previously Homes has had little use for women or romance in his analytical and logical studies of life with the exception of one he admired. This tenderness portrays a previously unseen side of Holmes. She is of course beautiful, brilliant, and nearly as analytically keen as her male counterpart, and while she specializes in activities that put her on the other side of law and order, she is a good match for Sherlock.

I highly recommend this movie for all fans of Holmes and Watson. It is a treat and adds a welcome chapter to the Sherlock Holmes story. We all miss Jeremy Brett and classic Sherlock Holmes films. This is a fine addition to the treasure trove of the Sherlock Holmes mystery series and well done.

The door is left wide open at the end of the movie for the possibility of another sumptuous tale where Dr. Watson and his Mary may help our favorite sleuth create another captivating Sherlock Holmes story.

The game's afoot!

Sherlock Holmes Story DVDs

The new Sherlock Holmes story starring Robert Downey Jr. will be released on March 30, 2010 on DVD and Blu-ray. You may pre-order them through the Amazon links below.

Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Granada Television Series (12 DVDs - 41 episodes in all) and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Boxed Set Collection - 13 episodes - 1985) are also listed below in honor of the late great Jeremy Brett. I've watched these programs many times and enjoy them so much. Highly recommended.

            Robert Downey Jr.                 Robert Downey Jr.                  Jeremy Brett                          Jeremy Brett