Sherlock Holmes is a 2009 neo-noir mystery period action film, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Strong.  The film is based on the character of the same name created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and follows eccentric detective Holmes and his companion Watson who are hired by a secret society to foil a mysticist’s plot to expand the British Empire by seemingly supernatural means.

Positives:

• Great performances
• Great cast
• Great story
• Great soundtrack
• Great script
• Witty dialogue
• Great characters
• Great action sequences

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot: A really interesting and complex story that gradually unfolds the various twist that keep it engaging.  Holmes has to deal with a adversary who is extremely smart and employs supernatural abilities. And what stands out is that the story is logical.  Once everything is say and done everything makes sense.  Great introduction with a equally satisfying ending. (4 out of 5)

Characters: Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr.) and John Watson (Law) are actually really likable characters. They have this brotherly/camaraderie/best friend relationship that does feel genuine. Both have their individual strengths and weaknesses and yet they complement each other. Henry Blackwood (Strong) is a strong (no pun intended) menacing antagonist and the guy has a lot of presence. Every scene with him felt extremely dark. Irene Adler (McAdams) is a great female character.  She’s strong but it doesn’t take away from her femininity.  She’s clever and uses it as well as her sexuality to manipulate others.  Great chemistry between Holmes and Adler. Other great characters are Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly), Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), Lord Coward (Hans Matheson), and even Mrs. Hudson (Geraldine James). (4 out of 5)

Cast: Great performances by the cast. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law have fantastic chemistry together. Rachel McAdams was great. Mark Strong completely killed it.  He gave a good performance that made Blackwood a very dark and commanding character (probably has something to do with his deep voice and piercing eyes). Other performances include Kelly Reilly, Eddie Marsan, Hans Matheson, and Geraldine James. (4 out of 5)

Visuals: This is very appealing to look at. There are some pretty good shots. The costume design as well as set pieces make for a very authentic-looking film. (4 out of 5)

Score: The soundtrack is just fantastic. Especially the main theme that has his banjo like quality.  Hans Zimmer completely kills the musical component. (4 out of 5)

Writing: The film also have some really good writing. How Blackwood’s schemes were revealed was really clever and how it played off of supernatural was executed flawlessly. And it probably has something to do with the subtly. Also, the characters were well written to especially when it comes to the dialogue which mainly reinforces the humor. Great direction by Guy Ritchie and the editing was on point. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, Sherlock Holmes is a great film and viewers can appreciate clever writing will have a pretty good time with this film as well as fans of Downey Jr. and Law. Not only does it feature great characters in a pretty complex story but it has great humor, witty dialogue, great performances by the two leads, a great cast, great direction, great action, and a fantastic musical score. Sherlock Holmes gets 4 out of 5.