Sherlock Holmes - AB

Photo: Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson in the action-adventure mystery Sherlock Holmes

3 stars

Holmes is back – with brains and brawn.

Rating: PG
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams

What’s the story?
Sherlock Holmes (Downey) and his accomplice Dr. Watson (Law) have solved yet another mystery. Lord Blackwood, the so-called controller of black magic, has been foiled and sent to the dungeons to await his hanging. However, the case takes a disturbing twist when Lord Blackwood returns from the grave, threatening to kill more people than ever. With personal obstacles in his way, such as Dr. Watson’s fiancée and the seductive Irene Adler (McAdams), can Holmes solve one of his most challenging cases yet?

Why see it?
Anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes should see this movie. Sure, it is not exactly like the classic Sherlock Holmes movies, as Sherlock is now a brawny brain, as opposed to just a brain, but the new plot line will instantly have you hooked. Anyone who loves a good mystery will enjoy this movie as well; you will be trying to piece together each clue, helping Holmes along the way, and shouting at the movie screen, “It was him!”

Problems?
Although the plot was creative, it dragged on for far too long. The mystery was interesting and new, but it still wasn’t good enough to make me want to pay attention for the full two hours. As well, if you don’t follow the plot closely enough, it’s hard to see how all the pieces fit together in the end, leaving some moviegoers confused.

All and all:
A new and fascinating twist on the original Sherlock Holmes.