Review of Sherlock Holmes (2009) by Stephen A — 09 Feb 2013

I realize critics have the special and admirable gift of being unable to appreciate anything not completely original (I think the Gods put this curse on them for not having hearts, so then they must go to the heart of everything) but, can I just say it.

I know maybe I shouldn't be so conceited that I wouldn't revere what my ancestors have built for me. But, my God - Can I just say this? This is better than the source material. Is that too controversial? It shouldn't be considering how fond I really am of the source and considering how I own all of Watson's accounts between two hard covers.

I mean what is the problem with deriving a new Holmes? I guess being the brain which has invented forensic practices by accident, Arthur Doyle's genius is untouched. He, no doubt, created extremely elaborate and logical mysteries, seeing as how they even had an impact on the world of investigation around us.

Although his genius, still being precious, valuable and indefatigable, is not quite as entertaining and witty as Robert Downey's comic genius. I'm sorry if it sounds stupid, but I prefer the autism spectrum Holmes.

.. honestly. People... realize this version is derivative, but also realize that Guy Ritchie is not obliged to reproduce the Conan Doyle source. Everyone can sit around bickering about how he has defiled Conan Doyle's source material, but this isn't exactly what I call exposing your kids to sex at a young age, and believe it or not - I know you do believe it - Conan Doyle's stories have stayed in tact in the most purest sense; they have became relevant again because of these brilliant movies.

I don't need to tell you this because beforehand, before this version came out and after all the pitiful BBC versions in the fifties came out, you wouldn't have touched those books. And as far as the BBC early versions limit the scope of Conan Doyle's books, Guy Ritchie enlightens our scope with a new lens.

Actually I lied this movie is not derivative at all. And by the way... Sherlock Holmes does actually fight.