Sherlock Holmes (2009) PG13 - 4 Stars

Never watch a movie when you are cranky, tired and irritable. That's what happened when I viewed Sherlock Holmes the first time. I was bored instantly, paid little attention and fell fast asleep. But I'm so glad I decided to re watch it once awake in a different frame of mind. Never being big into the Sherlock Holmes series, I still knew of the legendary detective. Whom, in a moments glance of a room, could uncover the slightest detail, giving insight into the cases resolve. Planing precisely his every move in advance, while never missing a beat, I think Downey Jr. had the unique quirkiness to make a perfect Holmes. But I've heard fans of the detective think his character was changed too much. For example, Rachel McAdams looks great in her Indiana Jones portrayal of mystery and suspense, but if Holmes and Watson were on their own originally, I'm not sure they needed to bring a female on board to romanticize the moment. However, I really enjoyed her presence as I felt she's just the thing to enhance Holmes true personality. Judd Law was great and both couldn't have been better hand picked for their roles. Complimenting each so well, they make the ideal inquisitive duo you want to root for. Mark Strong, with his cold villainous stare, reminded me of the old Dracula movies with Bela Lugosi lurking in the darkness. The costume and set design make you feel you're back in the day of playing a game of clue. A good action/adventure movie perhaps better viewed with closed captions to allow full enjoyment of the vocalized banter. This playful film leaves an opening for a sequel which I would certainly see.

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.), and Dr. Watson (Jude Law), are back together again, involved in stopping the evil Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), from claiming another life. Once behind bars and scheduled for hanging, Holmes goes back to his solitary existence of never ending Inquisitions. That is until Watson must bring Holmes back to reality to grant Blackwood's last request. After hung and laid to rest, Blackwood arises from the dead to carry on his killing streak. Holmes dives back on the case trying to entice Watson to join him. But Watson is eager to start a new life with Mary (Kelly Reilly), and leave the detective days behind and along comes past love Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams),throwing yet another wrench into Holmes plans.

Awards Include:
2009 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Directors: Guy Ritchie, Neil Marshall
Writers: Michael Robert Johnson, Guy Ritchie, Michael Johnson
Producers: Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Dan Lin

I viewed 4/10