Sherlock Holmes: Chemistry, My Dear Watson

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most beloved literary figures in history. He’s smart, savvy, and he does whatever it takes to win the day. Robert Downey Jr’s Holmes is real, gritty, and more raw than any other I can remember. It’s fabulous. This movie will be a crowd pleaser in more ways than one, but one of my favorite parts is the way the script stays true to the heart and soul of the classic character of Sherlock Holmes. At the outset, as well as several times throughout, the audience glimpses his thought processes and the way he analyzes every situation before taking action. He takes the time to explain how he comes to certain conclusions after he apprehends the bad guys, and just as with the books, it boggles the mind how every little piece fits together. Some might suggest that the film’s creators have gone a bit too far, nearly turning Holmes into some sort of super hero instead of the introspective sleuth of old, but the update resonates with me.

If the character of Holmes is the first positive of my experience, then the chemistry between the characters is next on my list of great things about this film. Jude Law is perhaps the last person I would have suggested to play Dr. Watson. Well, maybe not the last. That might have been Will Ferrell or Josh Hartnett. At any rate, I would have missed the boat because Jude Law’s portrayal is not only spot on but he brings more to the table than Dr. Watson has any right to. In addition, the chemistry between he and Robert Downey Jr. (Holmes) is fantastic. They strike a perfect balance of humor and affection that is endearing and true to the relationship as it was written. Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, and to be honest, she’s never let me down yet (conveniently forgetting Red Eye). Her relationship with Holmes is full of romantic tension and professional competition, both of which are done to perfection.

There are several scenes that get a bit too Spiderman-ish for me. There’s an awful lot of slow motion fighting, face-offs that take place high above the ground, and other such outlandish feats for a believable Holmes storyline. I don’t mind the character of Sherlock Holmes being seen as a kind of superhero, but the setting is another thing all together. Holmes lives and breathes in 19th century England and for his character to work properly he needs to remain there. The actual plot is my least favorite part of the film, but for me, it’s also the least important. I wouldn’t spoil it for you anyway, but to be honest the story’s not what makes you want to keep watching. I never understood what went on in any depth, never cared for the random potential victims or feared the bad guy. All that matters is that Holmes figures it out and then explains it to us. Beyond that, the movie is really about the relationship between Watson and Holmes, with a little romance tossed into the mix by McAdams. There’s enough humor to keep you laughing, enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough chemistry for additional films. Which, based on the thinly veiled reference at the end, are all ready being planned.

The film is a must see at the theatre, as far as I’m concerned. As far as kids go, I would take the PG-13 rating literally because of some graphic and violent death scenarios.

For Additional Poptimal reviews of Sherlock Holmes check out Sherlock Holmes: Jolly Good Show, Chaps by Paul Secrest.