Sherlock Holmes (3/30/2010)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.

Directed by Guy Ritchie (RocknRolla, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels)

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong and Eddie Marsan

A great director + a great cast + a great story = a great film. Now that’s elementary, Watson.

In a dynamic new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, Sherlock Holmes sends Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his partner, Dr. Watson (Jude Law) on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

Todd’s Word: I think we have to begin with the cast. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are prefect in this updated take on the classic characters. And let’s put those “are they gay?” rumors to rest. It’s pretty sad when a homosexual agenda wants everyone to be gay. Holmes is a womanizer (clearly not endorsing that behavior) who has clearly fallen for Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) and Watson is engaged to be married. I actually loved the portrayal of their friendship. They are best friends who need each other and are facing the fact that with Watson’s impending marriage, their relationship is going to change.

Jonathan’s Word: Preach it.

Todd’s Word: The script is fast-paced and intelligent. I’ll even admit that at times it was too fast and too smart.

Jonathan’s Word: I agree with your observation. It will eventually be up to the individual whether it was too “smart.” My 12-year-old was transparent about the film. She said, “Whew. I really liked that movie, but I didn’t understand about half of it!”

American films seem to dumb down the medium for audiences. If you want to see a potent example of this, watch Luc Besson’s Le Femme Nikita, then watch the pathetic American remake of the film with Bridget Fonda, Point of No Return. The American Film felt like it had to explain things that, I felt, needn’t be said.

Maybe people are just more intelligent across the pond!

Todd’s Word: Wow, that will win you points with your countrymen!

I usually enjoy the “flashback” type of scenes that are common in mystery films. You know, the ones that fill in the gaps or show you that small detail you missed the first time around. Well, I love the Guy Ritchie flashbacks. They are a perfect mix between quick-cuts and slow-motion.

Jonathan’s Word: They were brilliant. And don’t forget his “flashforwards.” Especially during the fight scenes. Comical, and equally as brilliant.

Todd’s Word: Finally there is the action. When the trailer first hit the internet I started hearing grumblings about Holmes being some “martial arts expert.” Well that was not much of a stretch for me. I mean, is it too hard to believe that the greatest fictional detective of all time would be able to handle himself in a fist fight? While they may prefer the stuffy old Sherlock Holmes, I thought the modern, edgy and still brilliant Holmes was very cool.

Besides the fight scenes, there are a few chase scenes and explosions that add just the perfect amount of that unrealistic yet stunning action.

Jonathan’s Word: I agree. It wasn’t only entertaining, it was plausible. Ritchie’s direction of the fight scenes revealed Holmes to not just be a “brawler,” but a strategist. His fights were a mere fleshing out of his quick thinking ability. And besides, dare I say, everyone likes a hero that kicks butt!

Todd’s Word: Sherlock Holmes has a great story, talented director and a stellar cast…I loved it. It is Worth Buying for sure.

Jonathan’s Word: Great film, superb cast…but a little dark for me. It’s hard to explain without giving away spoilers. But the film seemed to be full of some dark magic. The film features a really strong antagonist who appears to play with the black arts. At the end, I think you’ll walk away pleased with the result, but it might be a little disturbing for some.
Funny, entertaining and definitely worth the rent. But I don’t know if it’s worth the theatre price.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The language is surprisingly very clean and even the violence is on the milder side. There are no sex scenes but a few scenes where a little too much skin is shown (like when Holmes is handcuffed to the bed with a pillow strategically placed and when Irene is wearing a towel). The bad guy is portrayed as truly evil—probably very scary for young audiences.

That being said, I (Jonathan), brought my whole family (12, 14 and 16) and had no regrets.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

1. What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
2. How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
3. How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?