Downey Rocks Sherlock

I didn't plan on seeing Sherlock Holmes. But I wasn't about to see Avatar in 2D. And 3D was surprisingly sold completely out. I was okay with seeing Sherlock Holmes, just never thought I would be sitting in that theater.

The truth is, I've only been slightly interested in the film in the past couple of weeks, when to my self loathing, I warmed up to it by seeing quotes in the TV spots saying how good it was (I hate being sold). Before that time I was slightly upset by Sherlock. Why, Master Guy Ritchie (the director), pray tell, must you bring your modern pop-noir (I think I just invented that awesome term - use it) and over-copied, inventive-look-when-it-was-called-"Snatch", to a treatment of a proper Englishman sleuth? I'm no fanboy crying for faithful adaptations, but "how in the world does it make sense for Sherlock Holmes to be pit fighting?!" And am I the only one who has this oddly shaped character mold for Watson as an overweight Labrador? It was a mind hurdle for me upon first view to see Jude Law as Watson, skinnier and more beautiful than Holmes. Weird.

I've got to say, it was an extreme example, for me, in how advertising companies ruin movies and their chances at their correct markets. Looking back, my hopeful thoughts and excitement for the film were quickly dashed by the previews that showed basically this: "Robert Downey, Jr. as the rowdy boy you've always loved - but this time with an accent - is in an action movie with a recognizable name, no two, no three big names, and it's shot cleverly, and we know you'll come and see it, we don't even have to tell you what it is about because RDJ hits a dude in slow motion."

Seriously, I had no idea what it was about. Did you? Which was actually a great thing going in, and maybe a plus for the marketing department on that note. Usually they give away the whole movie and a couple of twists too. So I won't spoil it for you except to say that the plot is quality and with Holmes' and Watson's characters constantly going against type, it makes the screenplay feel fresh and surprising.

Downey, Jr. brings a confidence and swagger to the role that makes you realize no one else could have possibly played this incarnation. Law takes on Watson with a masterful underplaying and gives the show over to RDJ in every scene. I found myself waiting for Watson to enter the scenes, and truly sad to see him leave (a running gag that Watson is trying to leave the gumshoe life but can't help himself but to be pulled back in). And although Rachel McAdams seems horribly outmatched in her first scenes with RDJ, I soon warmed up to her and made apologies to myself for the feeling, citing her character was frightened and actually feeling overmatched by her circumstances, which you soon learn later as the story develops.

The three principles are absolutely magnetizing and RDJ certainly deserves the Golden Globe. Of course the supporting cast is great as well, a testament to Guy Ritchie's masterful direction. Mark Strong brings some real evil into Lord Blackwood, and squares off nicely with Robert Downey Jr. The two are matched up evenly in their confidence and this is partly what makes it so much fun. The turns, the murders, the actual happenings in the story take a back seat to these two men barreling forward without hesitation towards accomplishing their mission, neither of them seeming to have any notion or regard for the fact that the other could possibly outsmart him. Holmes seems to always be a step behind Blackwood, and yet, he seems comfortable with this because he knows he will have his chance to bring Blackwood in. He is also the only one not convinced by the blackmagic being wielded by the Lord Blackwood, even when the audience can't see around just how the tricks are being done.

So that leaves the visuals. Were they as out of place as I assumed they would be from previews? The fact is, I completely forgot that these moments were apart of a previous assumption of mine. I was so engrossed in the film that when Holmes was in the pit fight, I was just smiling and going along with it. I'll spoil this in case you were like me and this image really turned you off and you want to know what it is all about: Sherlock is engaged in a "round of fist-a-cuffs" or 19th century boxing and betting. It seems he does it to stay sharp and for a bit of a high. He bets money on himself then boxes larger men for the fun of it.

What is particularly inventive and something I really loved, was that Holmes has his own style of fighting. He analyzes opponents then breaks down their every move. We see this in slow motion as Sherlock systematically calls what shot he'll make, "left cross to the jaw - duck under haymaker - right counter - jaw dislocated." It makes sense because Sherlock is incredibly smart and well studied. So of course he would be able to break down an opponents' behavior instantly, then plan an attack to particular pressure points and vulnerable spots on the body. He even goes so far as to break down the opponents recovery time physically and mentally before completely demolishing him. After we hear the breakdown, we recover to the beginning of the fight and watch it replay in real time. It is an amazingly fresh take on a smart fighter and a real revelation for me.

Sherlock Holmes is a whole lot of fun and it's at least extremely fresh. It's opened for a sequel and I honestly can't wait. There's a surprise reveal at the end that's an added touch of suspense for the next movie. It alone promises an even better matching of wits and confidence that I'm already excited for.

So see the movie. There's no shame in waiting for it on DVD if you had something else in mind. It's a PERFECT keep-your-brain-switched-on popcorn movie, which is pretty rare, and that's what I found so engaging. I say it's worth the $10 theater ticket.