Review of Sherlock Holmes (2009) by Susans — 18 Jan 2010

Really, like a 6.7; a silly, light-headed prologue to what could be a more intriguing sequel once Prof. Moriarty reveals himself. One thing the film has going for it, though--the much discussed chemistry between Holmes and Watson, which all involved, including Rachel McAdams, seem to be reveling in.

McAdams plays a sporting beard, understanding that Irene Adler is to be witty, cunning, pretty (but not too pretty), and not to get in the way of her two pretty male costars, whose seem to be barely containing their laughter at their characters' suppressed Victorian passion for each other.

There is a ambiguously evil plot; Mark Strong does well at an ambiguously evil Lord Blackwell, and Hans Matheson (from The Tudors) actually manages to put some enthusiasm into the whole scheme. Overall, a fun two-plus hours, with some great verbal banter and random action sequences.

A fun diversion; let's see if Ritchie can come up with an actual mystery next time.