Sherlock Holmes Super Sleuth

What makes a remake a success? The answer is elementary, my dear Watson. Cast Robert Downey Jr. in the title role, then sit back and revel in his dedication to his craft in Arthur Conan Doyle’s recreation of “Sherlock Holmes.”

The fact that Downey makes an excellent Holmes with an impeccable English accent is hardly surprising, since he’s recently delivered some of his most memorable performances. The critical and commercial success of last year’s “Iron Man” and his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for “Tropic Thunder” are both proof although a rare award for such a broad comedy. This charismatic actor has certainly come a long way from his troubled past.

Under Ritchie’s direction, Holmes is eccentric, erratic, scruffy and wildly unpredictable in deciphering the cases that baffle Scotland Yard’s Inspector Lestrade. He might steal proof, lick evidence or even hang himself in order to solve a case. He also comes across as roughish and somewhat like a pirate than a super sleuth!

And a Holmes movie wouldn’t be the same without his stalwart partner in crime-solving, Dr. Watson (Jude Law) who is equally adept with his fists as he is with his stethoscope. A wounded Afghan war veteran with a gambling habit, he seems to be the reluctant sick kick that wants to move out of their home to be married to Mary. Here we actually see how jealous Holmes is at the thought of losing Watson with hilarious results, no doubt.

Downey’s chemistry with Law is a pleasant surprise – the duo fit into their roles as longtime friends with remarkable ease, making the relationship one of the film’s strong points. Their banter or rather bickering seems more like husband and wife rather than partners. Of course the strong script was a bonus.

In their latest case, Holmes and Watson attempt to stop Lord Blackwood (a menacing Mark Strong) a dabbler in the dark arts, who after being hung for his crimes has apparently ‘come back from the grave’ to take over Parliament! They also have to stop Blackwood’s secret brotherhood that includes some of Britain’s influential people.

Holmes also has to determine why his ex-flame, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), has suddenly re-emerged out of the blue. We find out that Adler was the only women that got under his skin and seems to have a powerful effect on him although he tries to hide it without much success.

She evens manages to handcuff Holmes naked to the bed with only a pillow covering him. But Holmes is his cool self and says to the maid, “Madame, I need you to remain calm and trust me, I’m a professional. Beneath this pillow lies the key to my release.” The poor maid screams and runs out.

Director Ritchie blends action and snappy dialogue with a unique, fast-cutting style that is edgy and interesting to watch. One good example is when during fights; Holmes envisions the best plan of attack in incapacitating his opponents, which Ritchie shows a slightly slowed-down speed before speeding up the action as Holmes enacts his strategy. It’s a fun to look inside Holmes’ thoughts.

This movie also delivers chases, fights and explosions aplenty in the race to stop the occult conspiracy.  Downey is also portrayed as the most physical Holmes to date a he spends his free time dueling in bare-knuckle boxing when he’s not chasing baddies.

The set locales of the grey dreariness of London with brightly lit shots that really showcase the powerful architecture are equally fantastic.

“Holmes” is a good two-hour movie that promises a sequel, what with Professor Moriarty, Holmes criminal nemesis still unrevealed.  So it looks like the case is not closed… yet.