Review of Sherlock Jr. (1924) by Jim H — 24 Jul 2012

A movie projectionist dreams he's a suave detective who can clear his name and get the woman of his dreams.

I've always enjoyed Buster Keaton. I think though he's not as balletic as Chaplin, he's more adventurous; some of the stunts he did were some of the most amazing things I've seen from the silent era. And his deadpan demeanor and impeccable comic timing make him a joy to watch. What bothered me about his films was the political messages embedded within; College is rife with anti-intellectualism (but one of the best climaxes ever) and The General valorizes the Southern cause. Sherlock Jr. is apolitical and all the better for it. It's great fun, with some good special effects for the time, and Keaton shines throughout the film.

Overall, I'm glad that I've finally found a Keaton film I can enjoy without a stab at my conscience for liking it.