Blog Summary

A blog for poetry, prose, and pop culture.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes


Hey all,

I managed to sneak in a couple of movies the last few days and I thought I would post my thoughts on the first of which, director Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey, Jr and Jude Law. Sherlock Holmes is a very modernized version of the classic literary character based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's series of novels about an increasingly brilliant detective in England who uses his supreme powers of observation to solve crimes. He is ably assisted by Dr. John Watson, a former Army medic and now the partner of Holmes as he investigates cases both private, and for Scotland Yard.

Our film features Robert Downey, Jr as Holmes. In director Guy Ritchie's version Holmes is both a man of superior wit and intellect, as well a seasoned brawler who is always ready for a good fight. Jude Law plays Watson, the long suffering foil to Holmes idiosyncrasies who wants nothing more than to wrap up their final case together and marry his betrothed. Or so he thinks.

As the film opens, Holmes and Watson foil a plot to sacrifice a young girl at the hands of Lord Blackwood (played by a brooding Mark Strong), a noble man and occultist who has been praying on people throughout London. He is captured and sentenced to hang, but not before issuing a warning to Holmes, that more murders would occur. Holmes, undaunted, returns to his home on Baker Street, to find the former love of his life, and the only woman to ever fool him, Irene (Rachel McAdams) waiting for him with a job. Compelled by old feelings, and deeper suspicion, he takes the job, finding out more than he bargained for in the process, including the supposed resurrection of Lord Blackwood and a nefarious plot to paint Holmes as a traitor, if he isn't killed first. As Holmes delves deeper into the mystery, he and Watson uncover a plot designed to attack London at the very core of its government.

Overall, the film is a very fun movie, an exciting Victorian action piece that is sure to alienate Holmes purists, and appeal to more modern cinema goers. The over riding factor in the film is that it is a gritty action take on what is perceived as dull material. Ritchie imbues a sense of dark humor and dirty film making to toughen up the movie. He still manages to preserve Holmes keen detection skills, they are just extrapolated to include a number of other activities, like fighting. By attempting to bridge the old with the new, Ritchie tries to walk a very fine line between camp and seriousness, that I don't think he could have pulled off as well as he did with Downey.

Downey and Law are really the keys to making this work. As Holmes, Downey imparts much of his own pathos into the role, sparking moments of humor and levity with intensity and angst. He takes the material and gives it a life on the screen in such a way that makes you believe in this version of the famous detective. Even Law brings a bit of flavor to Watson, so often portrayed as an overweight sidekick. Here, Watson is the capable military man that more belays his past, and he adds just the right amount of prissy dowdiness to make the character both believable and relatable.

The films sets and costuming are first rate, as well as the visual effects. The team did a great job of making it look like Victorian London and not just a CGI set. The buildings and people had a lived in look, dirty and harsh. Even in the small details, like Holmes pipe or violin, tweaking them to give it just a modern enough flair so as not to appear old fashioned, but to appear proper in the context.

I did have a few complaints with the film though. The script is a loose affair, taking technological leaps of faith with Victorian era capabilities. It also tried very hard to keep the film moving at a quicker pace, though I thought at times the film felt rushed, when simply showing the audience a little bit more of the situation would have gone a long way towards getting a buy in to the script. Especially the final sequence, in which the threat to Parliament takes a huge leap of faith with the capabilities of science at the time.

Another minor complaint I had was with Rachel McAdams. I didn't think she really brought any character to the role, she could have easily been replaced by an number of other attractive actresses. I don't think she is a bad actress by any means and her performance doesn't HURT the movie, it just doesn't bring anything to the table with it either. Still both these complaints should not take away from your enjoyment of the film, its still a very fun popcorn flick.

I can honestly say I liked the film, and I could even see this develop as a new franchise for the studio. I've always liked Guy Ritchie as a director and I especially like that he finally has another hit on his hands. He brings a unique sensibility to his films, movies like Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, are different films. Bringing these edgy "indy" feelings to mainstream studio movies often breathes a new life into flagging franchises. Besides Robert Downey, Jr is on a role right now, with this film and Iron Man 2 coming out soon, he is on fire. All you need to go see this movie is an excuse for a good time, where you can put away all complex thinking and enjoy a fun action movie that does all of the hard thinking for you. Sherlock Holmes is a fun movie, it's really the easiest way to describe the picture.

End of Line.
Gerrad!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Wanna Get HIGH? Running out of Supply? Then Check Out My Shit!
>>>>> http://bestlegalhighsdrugs.info <<<<
If you have questions, you can email my boy at online.mentor [at] gmail.com


[size=1] IGNORE THIS----------------------------
methakphetamine bfuo alvariys [url=http://bestlegalhighsdrugs.info] legal highs that work [/url] amamita muscaris aamnita muscsria [url=http://buybudshoplegalherbs.info] legal herb reviews[/url] saliva diivnorum salvia diviinorum [url=HTTP://BUYINGMARIJUANASALE.INFO] Marijuana Sale [/url] hallucination nutmeg salvoa ddivinorum [url=HTTP://BUYLEGALBUDSCOMREVIEWS.INFO] legal buds reviews [/url] ecstasyy pill is salvia divinorum legal [url=HTTP://CANNABISHIGH-PILLSHIGH.INFO] Cannabis Intoxications[/url] bfuo alvariu meth before after picture [url=HTTP://HOWTOBUYWEED-BUYINGWEED.INFO] how to bargain marihuana[/url] nufo alvafius ananita musvaria [url=http://legalbud.drugreviews.info] legal bud [/url]

ecstasy iplls Peyote [url=http://legalweed.lamodalatina.com] legalweed [/url] meth skin lesions speed bumps meth [url=http://buysalvia.lamodalatina.com] purchase salvia leaves[/url] urine drug screening hesperaloe parviflora
[url=http://reviewsoflegalbudscams.blogsome.com] buy legal weeds [/url]
drug test detection times easy kratom [url=http://legalweed.lamodalatina.com] legal weeds [/url] kratom usage Legal Herb Reviews [url=http://buysalviacheap.com] buy salvia leaves[/url] meth before and after pictures methamphetaminw
[url=http://guaranteedheightincrease.info/]height increase[/url] - http://guaranteedheightincrease.info/
height increase - http://guaranteedheightincrease.info
[url=http://provenpenisenlargement.info/]proven penis growth[/url] - http://provenpenisenlargement.info/
proven penis enlargement - http://provenpenisenlargement.info/
[url=http://provenskincareadvice.info/]skin care tips[/url] - http://provenskincareadvice.info/
skin care advice - http://provenskincareadvice.info/
[url=http://getrichgambling.info/]get money gambling[/url] - http://getrichgambling.info/
get rich gambling - http://getrichgambling.info/
[url=http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/]herpes outbreaks[/url] - http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/
herpes outbreaks - http://herpesoutbreak-gentalwarts.info/
[url=http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO]cure premature ejaculation[/url] - http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO
cure premature ejaculation - http://STOP-PREMATURE-EJACULATION-SOLUTIONS.INFO
[url=http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO]used mobile phones for sale[/url] - http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO
3g mobile cellphones on sale - http://3GMOBILEPHONESFORSALE.INFO
[url=http://internationaloddities.reviewsdiscountsonline.com] internationaloddities[/url]
international oddities reviews
[url=http://drobuds.reviewsdiscountsonline.com]dro bud reviews [/url]
dro buds
[url=http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info] best acne treatment reviews[/url] http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info
acne treatment review http://bestacnetreatmentreviews.info
[url=HTTP://LEARN-HYPNOSIS-ONLINE.INFO]learn hypnosis online[/url]
learn hypnotism online

Anonymous said...

erotic megan fox, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]megan fox leaked photos[/url] megan fix
kim kardashian sex tape for iphone, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]kim kardashin full sex tape[/url] ray j and kim kardashian fu
taylor swift shirt, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift sheet music for flute[/url] taylor swift offical website
hannah montana bikini, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]hannah montana party in the usa lyrics[/url] hannah montana pumpkin carvings
harry potter and the deathly hallows movie release, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]robert pattinson in harry potter[/url] harry potter 6 cheat codes for wii
cruise from long beach to catalina, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]tom cruise goes to college a comic[/url] cruises from copenhagen to st petersburg
justin bieber shritless, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]justin bieber crashed[/url] justin bieber where are you now
britney spears piece of me live, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]britney spears new song 3[/url] britney spears gone wild
megan fox sex tape tube, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]megan fox yovo[/url] megan foxe

Anonymous said...

hi everybody

I figured it would be a good idea to introduce myself to everyone!

Can't wait to start some good conversations!

-Marshall

Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

if you guys predestined to rely upon [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra drugstore meant allowing as a replacement for on generic drugs.
you can invite up drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the chief [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] originator on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

Attraction casinos? certify this young [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] guide and fake online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our blooming [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and obtain realized change !
another lone [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] machination is www.ttittancasino.com , during german gamblers, arrange unrestrained online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

Hello everybody,

What online fanzines do you read and would recommend?

For all you rockabilly folks out there I recommend The Enough Fanzine. It is one of the first hardcore zines on the internet.

They have throusands of interviews from the most underground bands all over the world. Check them out online: [url=http://www.enoughfanzine.com]Enough Fanzine[/url]. Best of it all, they are 100% non-profit and just helping the scene!

Looking forward to your recommendations.

Regards!

Anonymous said...

Hello, How is going.
I like www.blogger.com because I learned a lot here. Now it's time for me to pay back.
Why I post this guide on this of www.blogger.com is to help people solve the same problem.
Please contact me if it is inapproprate here.
Here is the guide, wish it would help you.

Guide: How to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3 and M4A to MP3 with MPEG4 to MP3 Converter or MP4 to MP3 Converter?
Have you ever been confused by how to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and convert M4A to MP3? Find some popular MPEG4 to MP3 Converter and MP4 to MP3 Converter tools to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3 etc very easily and with different experiences. And converting MPEG4 to MP3 will be much easier with better MP4 to MP3 Converter software.
Here, Xilisoft Video Converter is one of the best MPEG4 to MP3 Converter tools to help you converting MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and M4A to MP3. It is a professional video converter, audio converter, picture converter tool, which can convert between almost all popular video formats including MPEG-4, AVI, WMV, 3GP, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.264/PSP AVC, MOV, RM, ASF, FLV, SWF, etc, convert audio files such as MP2, MP3, AC3, RA, M4A, OGG, AAC, and convert between pictures and video file formats. And this MP4 to MP3 Converter, MPEG4 toMP3 Converter also offers powerful editing functions, including crop, edit, add/adjust video subtitle add watermark, and clip , merge, etc.
Moreover, there are other MPE4 to MP3 Converter tools to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and M4A to MP3 very well. Aimersoft Video to Audio Converter , ImTOO Video Converter etc are all perfect MP4 to MP3 Converter software recommended to you. You can get more software below to know how to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and M4A to MP3 with enjoyment.
Guide: How to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3 and M4A to MP3 with MPEG4 to MP3 Converter or MP4 to MP3 Converter?
Step 1: Free download the trial of MPEG4 to MP3 Converter . Install and run it. Then launch this MP4 to MP3 Converter and you will see its nice interface.
Step 2: Click "Add" button to load MPEG4 file(s) to be converted to MP3.
Step 3: Click to choose MPEG4 files you want to convert, and click profile drop down list to select MP3 as output format in this MP4 to MP3 Converter.
After setting you can configure some parameters on the interface of this MPEG4 to MP3 Converter:
Step 4: Some other functions of this MPEG4 to MP3 Converter, MP4 to MP3 Converter:
Clip function: Click a file and you can make several favorite clips when previewing it on the Clip panel.
Merge function: You can join several files into one file with this MP4 to MP3 Converter.
Step 5: Change output folder.
Step 6: Click "Convert" button to start to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and M4A to MP3 by this MP4 to MP3 Converter.
OK. You successfully complete to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, and M4A to MP3. This MPEG4 to MP3 converter can convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3 with fast speed and best quality. And you will find converting MPEG4 to MP3 is very easy job with this MP4 to MP3 Converter software. It is highly recommended both for newbie and expert. Just free download it to convert MPEG4 to MP3, MP4 to MP3, M4A to MP3 right now!



Resource:
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/ipod-transfer/]ipod to computer transfer[/url]
[url=http://www.dvd-copier.net]dvd clone[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/mkv-converter/]convert mkv video[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/convert-x-to-dvd/]convert mpeg to dvd[/url]
[url=http://www.topvideoconverter.com/ppt-to-dvd-video/ppt-to-video-converter.html]ppt to video converter[/url]

Anonymous said...

Здравствуйте!
Резво Конечный год - пора приятных хлопот и подарков. Аксиома, подарки могут непременно оригинальными и не очень... Который же придумать оригинального? Есть ответ! Подарите себе и родным людям незабываемые впечатления, прекрасную память - запись песни в Вашем исполнении! Студийное качество и большой разложение записи начисто разных сообразно уровню исполнителей гарантируют отличный результат! Такая запись обойдётся Вам один в 300 гривень!
А чтобы организаций нет нуль лучше, чем порхать настроение своей профессиональной команды. А что ещё беспричинно объединяет, как общая, "своя" песня? Закажите корпоративный песнь вашей организации! Между моих работ в этом направлении - песнь "Мегабанка", Института управления, песня фанатов харьковского "Металлиста".
Исключая этого я предлагаю произведение красивых песен и профессиональных аранжировок для заказ.

Любой интересующий вопрос Вы можете задать по адресу sba300@mail.ru

Мои контакты

Тел.: +38096 2073225, +38063 4020369 (с 12 перед 20 часов)
ICQ: 403-800-071
Skype: composerrr

Подробнее чтобы сайте - [url=]bis-studio.org.ua[/url]

С уважением, [url=]Борис Севастьянов[/url]


Новогодняя Акция:
Открытки и конверты с оригинальным, действительно интеллигентным, Новогодним дизайном.
Рекордно низкие цены.
Доставку сообразно Вашему городу.

Новомодный Год уже оживленно, а ведь память в бизнесе, стоит несравненно дороже небольшого кусочка картона.
С уважением, общество Евромедия [url=]em-card.com.ua[/url]

Anonymous said...

lPmPlnjsj [url=http://bit.ly/elancreditcard]elan credit card[/url] nwentsio

Anonymous said...


[url=http://www.pakcerscheapjersey.com/packers-by-player-rob-francois-jersey-c-1_87.html][b]Rob Francois Jersey[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.pakcerscheapjersey.com/packers-by-player-matt-flynn-jersey-c-1_66.html][b]Matt Flynn Jersey[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.pakcerscheapjersey.com/packers-by-player-greg-jennings-jersey-c-1_44.html][b]Greg Jennings Jersey[/b][/url]

Anonymous said...


[url=http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Germany/blog-762670.html][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyis.blog.fc2blog.net/blog-entry-1.html][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyii.livejournal.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyie.iloveblog.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyis.lifeyo.com/home/preview/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]