Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes was released in Canada on December 25, 2009. It features Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. Also noteworthy is the directorship of Guy Ritchie.

What does one say about the plot? It's Sherlock Holmes for crying out loud. Holmes and Watson are engaged in the task of bringing to justice a dangerous black magician. It's classic. The same witty banter and not-quite-realistic deductive reasoning. That said, the story is quite sharp and one is not left completely catatonic by the plot in the fashion provoked by The Dark Knight. It's funny and the lines are clever, and it practically ends with an invitation to see the sequel in a couple of years.

This one is not a shoe in for Oscar nominations, but no one will be surprised if the Academy acknowledges the film in several categories. The screenplay is very good. The sets and costumes are also sharp. As for acting, this trio was just great. I don't think RDJ has been better anywhere, and he is looking absolutely delicious. The Academy gave him a nod for the utterly ridiculous Tropic Thunder, so it's not far-fetched to expect him to show up in the Best Actor category. His role here may spare us ever having to hear about The Soloist at the Awards. Jude Law was a wonderful Watson, but a nomination for him is unlikely. Likewise, McAdams was great but not Oscar material. The chemistry between the three is what is notable in this movie.

This is not the kind of film that blows the Academy's mind, but there are some very good qualities that may have their attention. Sherlock Holmes is a very entertaining show if you have 134 minutes to spare.