Sherlock Holmes (2009 Version)

I was first introduced to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at Frank L. Smart Junior High School as an extra credit assignment by my then English teacher and grew to become a fan of his Sherlock Holmes novels. Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are closer to Conan Doyle’s original vision for his detective duo unlike the Holmes and Watson of the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, who were diluted or “cleaned up” versions of the men.

Gone is the cliché “Elementary My Dear Watson” (which was never in any of Doyle’s original novels) and in its place is an adventure movie with unique camera angles, slow mo sequences, non-stop action, verbal sparring, humor, suspense, Gladstone the English Bulldog, and Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in one of the best pairing in a buddy film since Newman and Redford’s chemistry in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Quotes

Sherlock Holmes (to Dr. Watson): Never theorize before you have data. Invariably, you end up twisting facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.


(Mrs. Hudson, the housekeeper, starts to clear a spot for the tea)
Sherlock Holmes: Don't touch. Everything is in its proper place... as per usual, Nanny.
(On her way out, Mrs. Hudson notices Gladstone the English Bulldog, laying on the floor – out cold) Mrs. Hudson: Oh, he's killed the dog. Again.
Dr. John Watson: What have you done to Gladstone now?
Sherlock Holmes: I was simply testing a new anesthetic. He doesn't mind.

Plot Summary

It’s the late 1800s in London England, Victoria is queen, William E. Gladstone has stepped down as Prime Minister, the tower bridge is being built, and Sir Arthur Conan’s Doyle’s characters Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downy, Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) are on the trail of a murderer, who dabbles in the occult, named Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong).

On this adventure, they appear “in the nick of time” to save a girl (staked out on a ritualistic altar) from Lord Blackwood clutches, arriving on the scene three steps ahead of the police and Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan). Arrested and sentenced to death Lord Blackwood is hanged and pronounced dead by Dr. Watson. Mission accomplished. Or is it?

A short time later Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a thief and Holmes former flame, visits Holmes at 221B Baker Street and asks him to help her find a missing man named Reordan. Through a series of events, Holmes learns that Reordan is connected to Lord Blackwood. But who is the guy in the carriage Irene appears to be working for?

Did I mention Watson is contemplating matrimony?

Days after Lord Blackwood’s death, a groundskeeper claims to have seen his Lordship walking towards the gate of the cemetery. Holmes, Watson, and the police go to the graveyard, find the tomb destroyed, and discover…sorry that’s all you get.

I know it is a short plot summary this time, but I don’t want to spoil the movie for you. Lots of twists and turns in this one so pay close attention – it might be one of those movies you have to – no cross that out – you want to watch twice so you make sure you catch everything.

Life Lessons

I chose to watch this movie for two reasons – as I mentioned earlier, I used to read the Sherlock Holmes series (Hound of the Baskervilles is my favorite) and because of Robert Downey, Jr.'s acting. I think he is a gifted actor and after watching him in this role I can’t imagine anyone else playing the eccentric Sherlock Holmes as well as he did.

Are there any major life lessons in this movie? Sure there are - friendship is important, loyalty to those who are loyal to you is always good, and your friends are family you aren’t related to.

Sherlock Holmes Movie Cast

· Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes
· Jude Law as Dr. John Watson
· Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler
· Mark Strong as Lord Blackwood
· Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade
· Robert Maillet as Dredger
· Geraldine James as Mrs. Hudson
· Kelly Reilly as Mary Morstan
· William Houston as Constable Clark
· Gladstone the English Bulldog
· And others