MOVIE REVIEW - Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law star in the Sherlock Holmes new at the box office this week.

Right up front, this is not you fathers Sherlock Holmes. With all due respect to Basil Rathbone who made 14 Sherlock Holmes movies between 1939, and 1946, things are a little different now. It is still based on enduring character Sherlock Holmes from A. Conan Doyle from the 19th century. But he has been updated here and made almost into an action hero for the 21st century audience.

Doyle's books really revolutionized crime fiction with the intellectual Holmes taking almost a forensic look at crime long before CSI. Holmes has always been a genius in the books and stories, along side his trusty assistant Watson. But as Holmes has been updated for a new audience, I feel it is no more revolutionary than Doyle's books from 130 years ago, and he would approve.

Downey Jr. is Holmes. He still lives at 221 B Baker Street in London. It's still the mid 19th century, and there is still seemingly unsolvable crime on the streets of London. Enter Holmes and Watson (Law). Holmes here is still a genius. But now, he's a bit more rounded. In addition to his intellect, he is accomplished at virtually everything else in the world. He's almost a marshal arts expert, as is Watson, and there's certainly enough action to go around here. Almost James Bond in the 1800's

Downey Jr. is perfectly cast and is really wonderful as the re-vamped Holmes. So is Law. Really great casting and powerful characters here. In fact, they are so well done they seem to upstage the entire movie at times. They overshadow a relatively average story here, that sometimes has a hard time gathering momentum. Most times, a really great movie starts with a really great story. But here, the story is average and sometimes hard to follow. An attempt at a star villain sort of goes by the wayside, and leaves a hole in the middle.

But no matter. If you're looking for just flat out fun, and action in old, cold London, then Sherlock Holmes is your movie. Whatever weakness this movie has, and there are a few Downey and Law, salve it over and pull it off. By the way, try not to watch the usually wonderful Rachel McAdams. The movies only casting flub.

Sherlock Holmes. Great starring performances. Average story. A bunch of fun.