Ace of Spades HQ

December 27, 2009

Sherlock Holmes Open Review [krakatoa]
— Open Blog

I'll leave the official review to Ace, and will just offer a spoiler-free perspective as a preamble to the moron spoilerfest to unfold in the comments.

As with any movie, I went into this hoping to be able to ignore the more blatant and almost ubiquitously non-sequitor digs at the military, Conservatism, and Americans in general. I was also hoping that I wouldn't have to forget too much about what I've long loved about Sherlock Holmes mysteries in order to enjoy a contemporary telling of Doyle's characters.

And truthfully that all took some of my enjoyment away, as I was internally preparing to cringe for a slight either to my politics or to the literary standard of Sherlock Holmes that never came.

This movie stuck to a great plot with terrific characters, and engaged the audience's intellect with all the clues necessary to solve the case with Sherlock and Doc Watson, and also involved us viscerally with some truly entertaining and physically believable action sequences that never quite made me sit up and say "Stop swingin' that big blue dork in my face!". All accompanied by a fantastic musical score by Hans Zimmer that was equal parts classical elegance, and rollicking pub music.

Smart, fun, and terrifically acted in every role -- I'll probably watch this at least once more in the theater if for no other reason than to catch some of the dialogue I missed while acclimating to the tempo and accents.

I give it 4 and a half Deerstalkers out of 5. I'm deducting a half-cap partially because I'm a stingy bastad, and partially to hedge against the surety that someone else will point out a good reason this wasn't a perfect movie, allowing me to say "Yeah, I noticed that too."

Guy Ritchie should have lost that Madonna sized tumor on his creativity long long ago.

Posted by: Open Blog at 03:17 PM | Comments (147)
Post contains 318 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Dang, you make me want to see it now.

Posted by: harry at December 27, 2009 03:20 PM (76Ez6)

2 Did everybody die? This is the first time I have ever been first. It makes me want to comment here at Ace's forever.

Posted by: harry at December 27, 2009 03:22 PM (76Ez6)

3 Didn't Richie decide to strongly hint that Holmes and Watson were friends with benefits?

That alone would keep me from going to see it if that is true.

Posted by: Shooter McGavin at December 27, 2009 03:22 PM (cxGtL)

4 Well I would comment on the post no one else cares about.

Posted by: harry at December 27, 2009 03:22 PM (76Ez6)

5 We saw this yesterday (kids and I) and we will happily shell out forty more bucks when hubby comes home. My daughter ran to her collection of Holmes books, to check authenticity. It was there. And bless R Downey Jr.: for a yank, he's got a hell of a limey accent. Absolutely believable. I noticed that Ebert panned it. I wonder why.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:23 PM (IrV7s)

just kidding about that last comment.

Posted by: harry at December 27, 2009 03:24 PM (76Ez6)

7 no offense taken-we're just early for the ONT crowd.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:25 PM (IrV7s)

Actually I was a big reader when I was a kid and Sherlock Holmes played a big part in that. I love the stories and still read them.

Posted by: harry at December 27, 2009 03:26 PM (76Ez6)

9 There was rumors that the director made Sherlock and Watson lovers... Please tell me that was just a rumor, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Posted by: enoxo at December 27, 2009 03:26 PM (3OABE)

10 As long as it's gay.

Gay, gay, gay, gay.

A big swishing pageant of gay.

Gay enough to make John Waters blush.

Then it will be all that I hoped for.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 03:27 PM (MMC8r)

11 3-I didn't pick up on that theme-it may have been there, but I didn't notice it. It seemed to run true to Victorian era British gentlemen who were set in their ways, and didn't care for change, because they enjoyed their routines. It also indicated a dependency of Holmes on Watson for a sounding board that he didn't want to lose, as well as his (Holmes) being something of a control freak. Or I am completely wrong, and Ritchie was going for teh ghey.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:28 PM (IrV7s)

12 I have never been so happy that someone fell out of my death pool as I am about RDJ. Seriously, ten years ago would anyone have believed that he'd even be alive, let alone making kick ass movies?

Posted by: alexthechick at December 27, 2009 03:28 PM (6Hbvd)

13 Shooter:

No... it didn't play out like that in my perspective. More like a joke along those lines. I suppose you could watch it and convince yourself so, but both are pretty healthily interested in the fairer sex so it plays out at worst like the relationship between JD & Turk in Scrubs. Comic at points, touching in the depth of friendship they share, but not teh ghey. At worst, just teh British.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 03:30 PM (hQbvm)

14 I saw it yesterday. A decent movie with no politics or pc messages makes it a great movie. I would go to a movie every week if they could stay away from the liberal mantra. As it is, about 4-6 a year.

Posted by: snookered at December 27, 2009 03:30 PM (7Vg6Y)

15 Nope. I remember the old days of RDJ movies, particularly Less Than Zero. I would have bet good money that he was going the way of John Belushi-brilliant actor unable to cope without the heavy drugs. I agree with you, that I am very happy he got out of that death spiral. Iron Man rocked, apparently so did Tropic Thunder (didn't see it) and we loved Sherlock Holmes. By the way, ATC, did you leave for Detroit yet, or is that still some time away?

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:31 PM (IrV7s)

16 Snookered:

You find 4-6 movies a year sans political or ideological sermonizing? I guess I am just too gun-shy.

mokimoki -- Tropic Thunder was hilarious.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 03:33 PM (hQbvm)

17 alexthechick at December 27, 2009 07:28 PM (6Hbvd)

no kidding. He went from douchy crap-ass drugged-up hypefest to someone I go to see movies for in a decade.

have you seen Zodiac? he makes that entire movie.

gyllenhal? Not so much.

Posted by: alexthedude at December 27, 2009 03:35 PM (BlMj1)

18 I thought it was great! I just did a review of it on my blog. It wasn't gay at all. Why must the libs hijack every movie? It was fun and I liked the Villan and the heroine. There was NO hint that Holmes & Watson were "buddies" none at all.

Posted by: Bunni at December 27, 2009 03:39 PM (ecB0B)

19 Thanks for the review Krakatoa. I love the Jeremy Brett BBC(?) 1980's version, and the books of course, but I didn't go see this movie because of the rumors.

I'm now going to go see it.

Posted by: Shooter McGavin at December 27, 2009 03:41 PM (cxGtL)

20 krakatoa, Thank you so much for the review. I may try to go see this with my husband when he gets home from his overseas assignment (in Africa and thankfully not Nigeria).

I love going to movies, but the preachy liberalism has kept me from most films except for The Lord of the Rings and the Narnia movies.

Thanks!

Posted by: Miss Marple at December 27, 2009 03:42 PM (4DwVn)

21 Haven't seen it yet, but I suspect the gay rumor was planted to provoke interest. Also, in this movie, I bet the gayness is in the eye of the beholder.

Posted by: eman at December 27, 2009 03:43 PM (4MoWh)

22 Greetings and cheers. I look forward to seeing this film, but I`m sure no one can, naturally, do justice as Holmes as Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett. Very different, each from the other, but both equally true in spirit, and both most delightful.

Posted by: The Drunken Conservative at December 27, 2009 03:43 PM (wvD+l)

23 Jeremy Brett definitely set the standard in my book for Holmes. I re-watch those whenever I find them on the air.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 03:44 PM (hQbvm)

24 By the way, ATC, did you leave for Detroit yet, or is that still some time away?

I'm home, thank heavens. Detroit was just a waystation on the way back.

Now, if only I become independently wealthy between now and tomorrow morning so that I never have to go back to work.

Oh and Tropic Thunder is beyond hysterical. It's worth it just for the (sadly) fake movie trailers.

Posted by: alexthechick at December 27, 2009 03:44 PM (6Hbvd)

25 Miss Marple- you will really enjoy this. Excellent dialogue-it keeps you on your toes-and appropriate violence. I detest slasher movies with gratuitous death and destruction (enough in real life, thank you) but this is done well, and believable, as Krakatoa mentioned. Nothing vulgar, but some well done double entendres. Hope your husband stays safe.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:45 PM (IrV7s)

26 Merry Christmas, btw. There`s 12 days of Christmas, starting in the 25th y`know. Time to celebrate and send Christmas blessings for another full 9 days!

Posted by: The Drunken Conservative at December 27, 2009 03:46 PM (wvD+l)

I had reservations about seeing the film. There was this initial buzz about a "modern Holmes." While Downey is a great actor, he does not particularly look like the Holmes of the stories (and the classic illustrations that accompanied them). Then there was the gay buzz/counterbuzz, although I quickly pegged that as hype.

My take after viewing it: it's great fun and utter enjoyment. Go see it.

Posted by: NCC at December 27, 2009 03:46 PM (1kwr2)

28 Well, that's another movie to add to our list. Damn, I hate budgets. I just spent this month's allotment on Lost season 2, since we just finished season one yesterday. So, that will go on next month's list. Glad you got safely home, dear.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 03:47 PM (IrV7s)

29 Who cares what Ebert has to say? Ebert isn't happy unless he's getting a log up his ass.
To paraphrase Bela: "Ebert does not deserve to smell my shit"
I'm seeing it tomorrow with my girlfriend, who is a big Holmes fan from way back.

Posted by: Beppo at December 27, 2009 03:48 PM (WPw5a)

30 I always liked Sigerson better.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 03:49 PM (MMC8r)

31 Whew, time to have a Christmas nap to ease the joys of the Christmas gins an old friend came down to pour.

Wonderful friends are bloody wonderful.

Posted by: The Drunken Conservative at December 27, 2009 03:50 PM (wvD+l)

32
Jeremy Brett definitely set the standard in my book for Holmes. I re-watch those whenever I find them on the air.

I knew I liked you!

I love those episodes. Although, I must say, I wish my parents named me Basil Rathbone, 'cuz that's a really cool name.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 03:51 PM (ouySy)

33
What annoys me about casting Downey as Holmes is the fact they're taking great liberties making Holmes young and irreverent.

They're ruining Doctor Who by making the Doctor younger and more irreverent with each incarnation. The series is becoming downright silly.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 03:53 PM (ouySy)

34 Nice insight there NCC, just the way I see it too. That "Roman" profile of Holmes is quite in at least a couple of Doyle`s stories

Posted by: The Drunken Conservative at December 27, 2009 03:54 PM (wvD+l)

35 I agree, Jeremy Brett & Basil Rathbone are hard to top. They're both so quirky, especially Brett; & they both have all the mannerisms.

Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at December 27, 2009 03:54 PM (DxGuW)

36 Sounds like shit to me. I'll pass.

Posted by: TexasJew at December 27, 2009 03:55 PM (vJtqG)

Alexthechick,

I had Downey in my dead pool for yrs! I was glad he got his shit together, too. He has always been a very good actor.

I have been hearing good things about the movie, I hope ppl go if for no other reason than to knock down the $$$$ Cameron gets from Avatar.

Posted by: di butler at December 27, 2009 03:59 PM (S3xX1)

38
You can see Jeremy Brett fading away, too, in the later epsiodes. So sad.

In the early episodes, he's spry and energetic. Later you can see how lethargic and weak he is.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:00 PM (9X3KM)

39 They're ruining Doctor Who by making the Doctor younger and more irreverent with each incarnation. The series is becoming downright silly.

Oh, do not get me started.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:00 PM (MMC8r)

I think I'll pass. The clips I've seen make it look like the Ambiguously Gay Duo attempt an action flick.

Sherlock Holmes shirtless??? What the fuck?

Posted by: rum, sodomy and the lash at December 27, 2009 04:02 PM (AnTyA)

41 Has there ever been a Sherlock Holmes adaptation which didn't suggest he and Watson had something going on? Rathbone and Bruce? Totally gay. Jeremy Brett? He couldn't have been gayer if he'd worn a feather boa in every episode. Even the mice in the Disney version were obviously Brokeback Mountaineers, if you take my meaning.

Can anyone think of a Holmes adaptation which had a believable romance between Sherlock and a woman?

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 27, 2009 04:04 PM (P7zlF)

42
Oh guess what?!?!?

Sam Raimi has a new series staring in a couple of weeks. It's about fucking SPARTACUS! How cool is that? It's very cool, that's how cool it is.

I read it's supposed to be pretty graphic in teh sex and teh violence. So...yeah, cool. Lucy Lawless is in it -- maybe we see her boobies? I dunno.

But it sounds like it's gonna be like ROME, which was a great series. But I don't really care to any ding-a-lings, if you catch me drift. It was nice, however, to see the Roman boobies. Attia looked good for an old chick. And the old crazy chick looked okay, too.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:04 PM (ouySy)

43 Well, I liked the trailers to Sherlock Holmes and I like RDJ's irreverence. So I'll be seeing this movie at some point. Maybe I should pencil it in this week.

Posted by: wherestherum at December 27, 2009 04:05 PM (gofDd)

44 Based on what I heard, I was expecting a not-so-sublte homosexual vibe but I didn't feel that AT ALL. I agree with Open Blog's analysis 100%. I really enjoyed it.

Posted by: mare at December 27, 2009 04:07 PM (X1fsj)

45
"Oh, do not get me started."

Please do!

David Tennant is one minute goofy, and the next minute a self-righteous prig. One minute he's vulnerable, the next minute he's like a god with super-powers. I miss Jon Pertwee. He was the best doctor. Serious, smart, tough, and not afraid to kill an alien.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:08 PM (ouySy)

46 For folks who might want a different twist on the Holmes mythos, try Dr. Bell and Mr. Doyle. A short series, but a real good time.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:08 PM (MMC8r)

47 Yes, it was a damned shame about Jeremy Brett -- especially because as far as I'm concerned he's the ultimate film Holmes. He's exactly how I imagined Sherlock when reading the stories. Much better than Basil Rathbone wearing his damned deerstalker in 1940s New York.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 27, 2009 04:09 PM (P7zlF)

48 Ebert panned it? He gave it 3 stars out of 4, which doesn't seem too bad...

Posted by: Charvanek at December 27, 2009 04:10 PM (M8Tbi)

49 Ebert is an idiot. He probably didn't like it because it wasn't a gay free for all.

Posted by: mare at December 27, 2009 04:11 PM (X1fsj)

50
Who else is a fan of Nero Wolfe?

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:11 PM (9X3KM)

51 Never liked Dr. Who. The more they mess with it the better. *ducks*

Posted by: eman at December 27, 2009 04:12 PM (4MoWh)

52 Sounds like a great movie for people who know next to nothing about Sherlock Holmes, cares nothing for the characters, and knows almost nothing about history.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at December 27, 2009 04:13 PM (PQY7w)

53 My wife and I spent the night in my hometown visiting the folks, but stayed at a hotel. The USA Today review was quite negative, if I remember correctly. They tried to make Holmes too modern. What do I know? My wife and I probably see about 2 movies in the theaters a year. The last one we saw was Up.

Posted by: 4k78 at December 27, 2009 04:13 PM (rYlhO)

54 "Sounds like a great movie for people who know next to nothing about Sherlock Holmes, cares nothing for the characters, and knows almost nothing about history." Yes, we're simply animals.

Posted by: mare at December 27, 2009 04:16 PM (X1fsj)

55 David Tennant is one minute goofy, and the next minute a self-righteous prig. One minute he's vulnerable, the next minute he's like a god with super-powers. I miss Jon Pertwee. He was the best doctor. Serious, smart, tough, and not afraid to kill an alien.

They lost me when they started to make it all into Tiger Beat Magazine. 'Ooo, the Doctor's a sex symbol! He's looking for love!'

Not to mention that the writing was nothing but manipulative shit. I stopped watching after 'Last of the Time Lords.' Man, what a steaming pile.

I like Hartnell's doctor. No superhero, and still mysterious.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:16 PM (MMC8r)

56 fwiw, the BBC "Sherlock Holmes" stories that were adapted by John Hawkesworth were brilliant. They're the ones that people remember. Some of the later episodes had different writers and/or directors and were, to be blunt, goofy - odd/ experimental camera angles, story lines that had a lot of flashbacks, et cetera.

If you like your English detectives to be exceedingly non-ghey - give "Morse" a try. "Prime Suspect" is also quite good.

-

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 04:17 PM (ruzrP)

57
Hartnell was a grandpa!

The new doctor will probably be a 25-year old flaming homo. Who wants to watch that shit? Not me.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:18 PM (9X3KM)

58 The new doctor will probably be a 25-year old flaming homo.

Then my circle will be complete.

Posted by: Russell T. Davies at December 27, 2009 04:20 PM (MMC8r)

59
Morse and Prime Suspect were both great serieseses. John Thaw is dead now, too.

Oh, and if you liked Prime Suspect and you like time travel, again I'll recommend the BBC series called PARADOX.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:20 PM (ouySy)

60 I just don't like that they need to force a love interest on Holmes.They had to do it with Batman too.Hollywood can't accept a character so driven and focused that sex holds no interest for them.

Posted by: steevy at December 27, 2009 04:21 PM (nkxLu)

61
Sarah Jane Adventures? Holy shit what a load of crap. Torchwood was fucking awful, too.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:22 PM (9X3KM)

62 If you like your English detectives to be exceedingly non-ghey - give "Morse" a try. "Prime Suspect" is also quite good.

-

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 08:17 PM (ruzrP)

yet no mention of Wire In The Blood. For shame good sir

Posted by: fartbubble at December 27, 2009 04:22 PM (cBeTr)

63
Speaking of no sex --- just watched Zombieland. Pretty good. Funny. Cute.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:23 PM (ouySy)

64 Hollywood can't accept a character so driven and focused that sex holds no interest for them.

See also our sub-thread on Doctor Who.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:26 PM (MMC8r)

65 I'll look for "Wire in the Blood" if/when it airs on BBC America.

I'll also give a shout-out to the BBC's "Cracker" starring Robbie Coltrane. The American version of the show sucked the suckiest sucks that ever sucked, imo.

Also, the first two-three seasons of Lovejoy are excellent.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 04:26 PM (ruzrP)

66 Stevy - I didn't find it forced. It was unrequited, which I thought added to the general Holmes' pathos.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 04:27 PM (hQbvm)

67 Sarah Jane Adventures? Holy shit what a load of crap. Torchwood was fucking awful, too.

I saw the first Sarah Jane, and about the first five Torchwoods. It looked like the same basic idea, one kid-friendly, one for twisted pervs.

I dropped Torchwood after the episode where they guy is hiding his cyber-girlfriend, and they didn't put a bullet in the back of his head at the end of the episode.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:28 PM (MMC8r)

Sherlock Holmes shirtless??? What the fuck?

That's in all of like 2 scenes? And its not like he's walking around strutting his stuff posing for ogling. Its not even close to being 300: The Sherlock Holmes edition.

Posted by: buzzion at December 27, 2009 04:28 PM (oVQFe)

69
You like Lovejoy?

I love that show! I liked all the episodes. Wasn't too happy when Lady Jane cut her hair and looked like a boy, though.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:30 PM (9X3KM)

70 Major spoiler: There are no sex scenes, nor even any implied sexual activity, in the movie. If you've watched the previews, you've witnessed the most risque scene.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 04:31 PM (hQbvm)

71 I'll look for "Wire in the Blood" if/when it airs on BBC America.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 08:26 PM (ruzrP)

They showed the first 5 seasons but they never got around to showing season 6. Wish they didn't cancel it. All of them are up on the Netflix Streaming section.

Posted by: fartbubble at December 27, 2009 04:32 PM (cBeTr)

72 One criticism of the movie that is unwarranted is about Holmes as a type of action hero.In the stories and books Holmes showed ability in hand to hand combat,single stick fighting and used revolvers.People seem to forget he was capable of handling the physical side as well as Watson.

Posted by: steevy at December 27, 2009 04:32 PM (nkxLu)

73
I dropped Torchwood after the episode where they guy is hiding his cyber-girlfriend

That's exactly when I stopped watching. It was fucking ridiculous. They must be targeting an audience of fucking imbeciles, 'cuz I don't know who else who would put up with that crap.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:32 PM (ouySy)

74 71 Good to hear.I still would have left Irene Adler out of the movie.Leave Watson to ogle the ladies.

Posted by: steevy at December 27, 2009 04:33 PM (nkxLu)

75 Never liked Dr. Who.

The more they mess with it scantily-clad hot chicks the better.

FIFY

Posted by: Dave J. at December 27, 2009 04:33 PM (Pw+Zz)

76 Even the mice in the Disney version were obviously Brokeback Mountaineers, if you take my meaning.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 27, 2009 08:04 PM (P7zlF)

I'll see you in hell.

I loved those mice.

No I'm not gay. No, really.

Forget Ebert, the only rating I pay attention to these days is Rotten Tomatoes and it gets a decent score there so that's enough for me.

Posted by: AD at December 27, 2009 04:33 PM (ZASfS)

77
All I wanna know, krakatoa, is...

does it insist upon itself?

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:34 PM (ouySy)

78 73 They forget Reichenbach Falls.

Posted by: Peaches at December 27, 2009 04:36 PM (9Wv2j)

79 only good thing in Torchwood was Naoko Mori who they went and killed off

Posted by: fartbubble at December 27, 2009 04:36 PM (cBeTr)

I noticed that Ebert panned it. I wonder why.

Because George Bush didn't make a guest appearance as Moriarty?

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at December 27, 2009 04:36 PM (P33XN)

81 Agree, steevy. In the Doyle stories, Holmes was never a shrinking violet, and had at least one epic physical confrontation vs Moriarty that was about as Hollywood a production as one could conceive of.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 04:36 PM (hQbvm)

82 Mindfart! The series I called 'Dr. Bell and Mr. Doyle' above is actually called "Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes" (The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes) (2000). Here's it's IMDB page.

Nice little pastiche of Holmes/Watson, but with Arthur Conan Doyle in the Watson role and 'Holmes' filled by Dr. Joseph Bell, supposedly Doyle's inspiration for his famous character. I may have to Netflix this series again.

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 04:37 PM (MMC8r)

83 fwiw, I stopped watching "Lost" when Smoke Monster appeared.

I'm willing to suspend my disbelief,
but not let it hang by its neck until dead.

that and Kate wasn't getting wet enough, often enough to turn my suspension of disbelief into a recumbent form of autoerotic asphyxiation.

-

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 04:39 PM (ruzrP)

84
They want Holmes and Doctor Who to be pacifists.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:41 PM (ouySy)

85 "Oh, Watson - the needle!"

Posted by: TexasJew at December 27, 2009 04:41 PM (vJtqG)

86
fwiw, I stopped watching "Lost" when Smoke Monster appeared.

that was the first episode, bro

It was good until they 'moved' the island and went back in time.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:42 PM (9X3KM)

87 Oh come ON, Tennant might not be the best Doctor but you can't tell me that Blink wasn't the greatest episode ever.

Posted by: apotheosis at December 27, 2009 04:42 PM (xWk3U)

88 88 Oh come ON, Tennant might not be the best Doctor but you can't tell me that Blink wasn't the greatest episode ever.

Posted by: apotheosis at December 27, 2009 08:42 PM (xWk3U)

It was, and I curse them for it. Without "Blink" I would have given up on Dr Who ages ago.

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at December 27, 2009 04:45 PM (F09Uo)

89 What annoys me about casting Downey as Holmes is the fact they're taking great liberties making Holmes young and irreverent.

They're ruining Doctor Who by making the Doctor younger and more irreverent with each incarnation. The series is becoming downright silly.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 07:53 PM (ouySy)

I quite agree. Unfortunately everything is getting dumbed down to the point of mind numbing stupidity.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at December 27, 2009 04:45 PM (banCd)

A fan of both Holmes and Downey, I anxiously await the sequel...which was set up during the last several minutes of the film.

Downey's performance was good, at times overshadowed by the incredible theater and sounds, but not up to his Chaplin or Fur roles...good all the same.

On the way home, my wife and friend also agreed with me, given the era and characters, this movie is pure Depp - sleazy, filthy unkept souls hiding behind corners in the dark of night.

Posted by: rookwood at December 27, 2009 04:47 PM (cOXVZ)

91 I've dug Sherlock Holmes since I was a kid. I went to this movie worried that they made him an action hero or gay or screwed it up some other way (I walked out of "Fellowship of the Ring" for just this reason). I went looking to be angry and disappointed (but a friend got me in for free). It was AWESOME! Very, very well done. Not the usual TV or movie interpretation at all, but still very true to the stories and the characters. Smart, family-friendly, authentic, exciting, beautiful. I'm looking forward to buying this and seeing the next one.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 27, 2009 04:50 PM (AfPnb)

92 In the stories Holmes is the freaking Incredible Hulk. When one of his enemies bends a fireplace poker by way of threatening him, Holmes straightens it out with his bare hands.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 27, 2009 04:51 PM (P7zlF)

93 gaarrr .. my mistake on "Smoke Monster" ... there was one particular scene with Smoke Monster which just made me say "fuck .... this"

And I plan on seeing Sherlock Holmes.

The over/under on the date Ace posts his review is 1/5/2010
The length of the review's line is 1,900 words, using microsoft word's wordcount

-

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 04:53 PM (ruzrP)

94 Saw it Christmas night with my wife and teenagers - all thought it okay as an action flick, but not a great film. Downey is always fun to watch. I thought the gay vibe was clear, but then, I read about it beforehand so maybe I was looking for it.

Posted by: Z as in Jersey at December 27, 2009 04:55 PM (pJcTo)

95 Hmmm.... I never heard any of the gheyness rumors anywhere else but here at AOS.

'Sup with that?

Glad to hear that it's a good flick worth seeing, though.

Posted by: Hurricane Mikey at December 27, 2009 04:56 PM (TJoID)

96
...and he'll say "it insists upon itself."

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 04:56 PM (ouySy)

97 I saw it today, and well, uh, it didn't suck. The script however, may have been written by Ron Paul, so there's that.

Posted by: MRI at December 27, 2009 04:57 PM (aVQo/)

98
getting back to Doctor Who...

could they have fucked up bringing back The Master any worse? I don't think so. they made the Master out to be a stark raving arsehole, not just a maniac.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 05:00 PM (ouySy)

99 (I walked out of "Fellowship of the Ring" for just this reason) Posted by: 29Victor

Way to submarine your review.

Posted by: Iskandar at December 27, 2009 05:02 PM (DwKMY)

100 Oh come ON, Tennant might not be the best Doctor but you can't tell me that Blink wasn't the greatest episode ever.

If I'm not mistaken, isn't that the one which really doesn't involve the Doctor in any meaningful way? Isn't it an unrelated character carrying pretty much the whole show?

If it IS the way I remember it, then, shouldn't it be easier to write a totally revolutionary Dr. Who episode when it's really only tangentially Dr. Who?

See, I could write a really FANTASTIC episode of 'Charles In Charge' if I could set it on the third moon of Proxima Delta, where future humanity is engaged in a battle for survival with a race of alien protoplasms who they fight in 100-foot-tall nuclear-powered BattleMechs with functioning robotic genitalia, and we don't need Scott Baio or Willie Aames.

Posted by: Fucked up liberal at December 27, 2009 05:04 PM (MMC8r)

101 Bad sock on 101 (switched computers).

Posted by: nickless at December 27, 2009 05:05 PM (MMC8r)

102 I grew up with Tom Baker as Doctor Who. ... and large fuzzy white balls that were the BBC's version of "White Blood Cells" which attacked Dr Who ... and the Daleks, and K9

and Leela

---- sigh, Leela ----

Safe for work, it's Dr. Who, after all

~ sigh ~

Posted by: BumperStickerist at December 27, 2009 05:07 PM (ruzrP)

103 Yes, we're simply animals. Posted by: mare at December 27, 2009 08:16 PM (X1fsj) Thanks mare-I appreciate you having our back. And yes, I've read Sherlock Holmes, although I'm no Irregular. I have a life.

Posted by: mokimoki at December 27, 2009 05:09 PM (IrV7s)

104 See, I could write a really FANTASTIC episode of 'Charles In Charge' if I could set it on the third moon of Proxima Delta, where future humanity is engaged in a battle for survival with a race of alien protoplasms who they fight in 100-foot-tall nuclear-powered BattleMechs with functioning robotic genitalia, and we don't need Scott Baio or Willie Aames.

I find your ideas intriguing and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Posted by: AD at December 27, 2009 05:12 PM (ZASfS)

105
Leela went crazy, you know. She now devotes her life to warning other women from getting obsessed with cosmetic surgery.

I preferred the first Romana...the one with the over-bite. Sarah Jane was an ass, moreso with Tom Baker than with Jon Pertwee. Jo was cool, too.

Posted by: Posted by at December 27, 2009 05:13 PM (9X3KM)

106 Without Buddy Lembeck, you've got nothing.

Nothing.

No ... thing.

Posted by: Willie Aames at December 27, 2009 05:14 PM (ruzrP)

107

That's in all of like 2 scenes? And its not like he's walking around strutting his stuff posing for ogling.

On a beach in Hawaii? Playing golf?

Posted by: andycanuck at December 27, 2009 05:35 PM (2qU2d)

108 I think RDJ is in the closet....the Hollywood conservative closet.

Holmes carries a revolver. No hand wringing, no ostentatious "guns are beneath my dignity" bullshit. The good guy carries a concealed weapon. Holmes did, obviously, in the stories. Yet I was fully expecting him to be either quietly or explicitly disarmed in the movie. Probably with some flourishing pronouncement of how only inferior intellects need to have such crude tools as firearms.

Posted by: Britt at December 27, 2009 05:41 PM (DcWbe)

109 Saw it yesterday, and hated every minute of it. Sherlock Holmes is supposed to be a clever mystery story, not loud and stupid like the Jackass movies. Everything I despise about modern action flicks is in it especially the shaky camera and ADD quick cuts.

Posted by: fozzy at December 27, 2009 05:54 PM (ccEuN)

110

Of course this was probably a cool movie -- the man of the house and I went on one of our tri-annual date nights (the economic downturn and all). I wanted to go see this; he was enthralled by the Avatar shiny blue beam of CGI and boom-y things. He won out; we saw Avatar. My fanny and brain grew numb waiting for the end (although I did have fun shouting out "win ga po!" and "tatonka!" with appropriate pantomimes during a few moments in the movie -- I blame the soda pop).

I love him, but he has terrible taste in movies. If he wants to go see it, then odds are it will likely be a stinker. Thus far he has not let me down...and I'm picking the movies from now on.

Posted by: unknown jane at December 27, 2009 05:56 PM (5/yRG)

111 It seems I'm just a grouch when it comes to these new movies lately.
I have no interest at all in seeing this. I am a big Sherlock Homes fan, always have been. I just can't buy a short Sherlock Homes. The trailers also make Holmes way too physical which sort of defeats the entire theme of Holmes' method of detection.
Yes Holmes was very strong and fit physically with great stamina but it was never the main theme and not for show.

As far as any suggestion of anything more than friendship between Holmes and Watson in the movie it has to come off as a joke. Both of them fall madly in love with women in the series and Watson seems to be quite a softy for the fairer sex throughout.

Posted by: Rocks at December 27, 2009 06:28 PM (OOgDc)

112 I saw it on Christmas. Thought it was great. I liked the way they portrayed Holmes as someone willing to actually get his hands dirty in a fight (as he was in the books). None of this "oh dear, I'll stare at stuff with a magnifying glass while Watson does all the dirty work." of previous Holmes.

The Holmes of the stories was a championship boxer, a master of disguise, a drug addict and probably bipolar. This movie did a decent job of showing that (except the drug addict part).

Posted by: GMan at December 27, 2009 06:30 PM (zQiqq)

113 "This movie did a decent job of showing that (except the drug addict part)."

Dude. It's Robert Downey Jr: the drug addict part is implied.

Posted by: Dave J. at December 27, 2009 06:46 PM (Pw+Zz)

114

Holmes is a real fucking rockinrolla!

ahhhh, Depp as Moriarty???? Delicious!!

Posted by: one-two at December 27, 2009 06:51 PM (C39a6)

115 #115

Ha! I didn't think of that.

Posted by: GMan at December 27, 2009 06:55 PM (zQiqq)

116 If you want a politics-free, lecture-free movie to go to, this is the one for you.

Not once was I lectured on the evils of conservatism or capitalism.

As far as the supposed gay relationship between Holmes and Watson, I didn't see it.

They were both clearly interested in women, with Watson spending most of the movie attempting to be alone with his soon-to-be wife in their new house. Anytime he returned it was out of concern for his friend's life or his own love for mystery.

Holmes was quite obviously infatuated with Irene Adler, too. At one point it was revealed that he still kept her picture placed prominently in his study.

I liked the film.

Posted by: Benson at December 27, 2009 07:09 PM (qzcNU)

117 The closest thing to a gay relationship to Watson and Holmes in the movie was probably Watson arguing with Holmes over some of the more annoying habits of his he won't miss once he moves in with his fiancee, such as Holmes playing his violin all night, performing experiments on Watson's dog, and Holmes stealing his clothes.

The 70s version of Sherlock Holmes by Billy Wilder, The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes, was MUCH more forward with the gay angle, as Holmes lied and told a woman that he and Watson were lovers in order to get her to leave him alone. Watson was less than thrilled because it ended up cock-blocking him with a bunch of Russian ballerinas as well as threatening to besmirch his own reputation.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at December 27, 2009 07:24 PM (mySIW)

118

I can post a review of the Chipmunk movie, I'm not ashamed.

Posted by: Jean at December 27, 2009 07:28 PM (xOcNN)

119 The good guy carries a concealed weapon.

In the period SH is typically set (discounting those wartime propaganda pieces featuring Nazis), it was not uncommon for a gentleman (or lady) to carry a handgun or other weapon in England. Police coverage in many areas was minimal, and the notion of "police", as they are known today, was relatively new and evolving rapidly. Victorian England was largely a fend for yourself kind of atmosphere where Blackstone's legal guideline of "inherent right to self defense" was the rule of the day.

Posted by: Purple Avenger at December 27, 2009 07:29 PM (WVGN4)

120 This movie was excellent - my family and I saw it on Christmas day. Was it completely true to the stories? Of course not - it was Iron Man does Sherlock Holmes. However, there were plenty enough valid threads to make it an acceptable movie, and the production quality did the rest to make it a really good use of 2:14 of my time. Those, including at least two newspaper reviewers, who claim that Holmes got falsely butched up in this don't know their Holmes (several commenters here have already pointed out that he was written a brave man of considerable physical talents). I've read all 60 Holmes stories innumerable times, and the "gay undertone" has always been there, always ultimately written to be no more than two men who were best of friends. Hearing that the movie played on this dynamic made no impact on my choice to see it. The inclusion of Irene Adler as the love interest was perfect; not forced at all (though Watson's wife was better looking). It was one of the surprising threads they included which caused me to forgive the several stylistic liberties, chief among them the solid equality of Holmes and Watson, a relationship that never existed as such in the books. It's a movie filmed in the 21st century - we've learned to expect special-effects overreach, and that's all that the flashy excesses are. Also easily forgiven. No reason not to see it - it's quite well done.

Posted by: Patton at December 27, 2009 07:46 PM (xvN1A)

121 Just saw Sherlock Holmes tonight and loved it, but I did find it a bit long - perhaps if a fight scene had been shortened here or there. But otherwise, agree with your review. Fun performances, brain candy, great score. I'll go back to see the inevitable sequel.

Posted by: Thea at December 27, 2009 08:27 PM (/3dGX)

122 In the period SH is typically set (discounting those wartime propaganda pieces featuring Nazis), it was not uncommon for a gentleman (or lady) to carry a handgun or other weapon in England. Police coverage in many areas was minimal, and the notion of "police", as they are known today, was relatively new and evolving rapidly. Victorian England was largely a fend for yourself kind of atmosphere where Blackstone's legal guideline of "inherent right to self defense" was the rule of the day.

Posted by: Purple Avenger at December 27, 2009 11:29 PM (WVGN4)

Oh I know. Victorian England was when England was still free. The surprise was due to the fact that historical accuracy (especially when it makes conservative ideas look good) is not really part of Hollywood.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Guy Ritchie, and this movie felt just a bit like Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. I particularly liked the the rewinding and freeze frame. One of the hard things to do with translating any written work to the screen is getting all the bits from the character's heads. The freeze frames where Holmes plans his punches or the scene where we rewind and show his quick disguise and tailing of Irene Adler do a nice job of capturing the essence of Holmes.

There was a great sequel setup, very similar to the one at the end of Batman Begins, and now I'm thinking who would be the best guys to play Professor Moriarty and Colonel Moran.

Posted by: Britt at December 27, 2009 08:32 PM (DcWbe)

123 As to the above comments, Jeremy Brett was a hard act to follow; he captured Holmes as no other actor ever did. I liked the Rathbone versions until I started reading the stories; after that I couldn't handle the 'oafish' Watson that Hollywood projected.

Unfortunately, the audience [and culture] have changed; a 'juiced-up' Holmes [no pun intended] was inevitable. To score the big box-office bucks, flashy and gritty naturally follow.

However, I can forgive all that if the story is good. It'll be hard though, I have very high standards.

I've never disliked creative [imaginative] license as long as it didn't offend my sensibilities [too badly].

Heck, I enjoyed Mark Frost's alternative 'Doyle' [ The List of Seven & The 6 Messiahs ].

I can wait, though. I'm not in the mood [these days] to be disappointed by any 'big screen' hype jobs, The Phantom Menace was the last straw for me.

Oh well, enough of that. AMC is showing a 'silent' Sherlock Holmes movie.

I'll give that a go. G'night all.

Posted by: CPT. Charles at December 27, 2009 08:38 PM (lYKj1)

124 OK, what is a "big blue dork"? First, has dork always been a euphemism for "dick"?-I had no idea. And "big blue"? Is the Democrat? I feel really dumb right now...

Posted by: ParisParamus at December 27, 2009 08:41 PM (Hv1Cx)

125 My reference, ParisP.

Posted by: krakatoa at December 27, 2009 08:57 PM (hQbvm)

126 127 OK, what is a "big blue dork"? First, has dork always been a euphemism for "dick"?-I had no idea. And "big blue"? Is the Democrat? I feel really dumb right now...

I'm guessing that's a reference to Watchmen, where one of the main characters, Dr. Manhattan, was blue, had a tendency to walk around the movie naked, and was generously endowed.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at December 27, 2009 08:58 PM (mySIW)

127 128, ok, whew, at least it's not as obvious as I feared...thanks!

Posted by: ParisParamus at December 27, 2009 09:22 PM (Hv1Cx)

128

#13 Shooter:

No... it didn't play out like that in my perspective. More like a joke along those lines. I suppose you could watch it and convince yourself so, but both are pretty healthily interested in the fairer sex so it plays out at worst like the relationship between JD & Turk in Scrubs. Comic at points, touching n the depth of friendship they share, but not teh ghey. At worst, just teh British.

It probably is 'just teh British'. In 60s and 70s there was a saying 'no sex please, we're British', and even a movie by that name. However, they still made quite racy movies and TV shows at the time with flying double entendres and lots of gay themes, particularly in the 'Carry On' movies and the 'Are you being served?' TV series.

Posted by: Decaf at December 28, 2009 03:38 AM (uawMX)

129

Guy Ritchie should have lost that Madonna sized tumor on his creativity long long ago.

I am not a Madonna fan, but by the time Guy Ritchie married her she was a media phenomenon and he was just an up-and-comer who may make it or simply disappear. It was probably a great career move on his part but it may have cost him just as much in ball-busting he had to fend off.

Posted by: Decaf at December 28, 2009 03:41 AM (uawMX)

130

#112 I love him, but he has terrible taste in movies. If he wants to go see it, then odds are it will likely be a stinker. Thus far he has not let me down...and I'm picking the movies from now on.

unknown jane, your husband must be related to mine in some way. That's why lately we only go to the movies with our grandchildren and they pick the movies. So far so good.

Posted by: Decaf at December 28, 2009 04:16 AM (uawMX)

131

Unknown Jane and Decaf - my hubby holds the record for worst taste in movies. He has a special place in his heart for straight-to-video grade C Sci Fi.

'Splosions + no name brand actors + plot holes you can drive a truck through = awesome good. If the special effects look like they were put together in a neighbor's garage, even better.

I can't be too tough on him. He has picked up on the fact that most 'chick flicks' = having sex behind the back of your boring predictable husband/boyfriend + excessive talking.

My review of this Sherlock Holmes: too much posturing and not enough pacing. The line about wanting to see it a second time to pick up on the dialog is true. Too many mumbled lines in a fake accent with loud music/background noise. We wished there were subtitles.

All in all, still a reasonable pic - probably worth the price of admission. And I will see the sequel.

Posted by: Jade Sea at December 28, 2009 05:10 AM (+JrId)

132 RDJ is 40 fricking five. That's about as "young and irreverent" as me my sister.. You have to leave room for sequels, too.

Posted by: SarahW at December 28, 2009 06:03 AM (CSrvi)

133

I enjoyed it. It wasn't perfect, but as many others have said it was such a relief to simply enjoy a story instead of enduring the inevitable politically motivated bullshit. I did think they went a bit overboard to make Holmes an asskicker (did the literary Holmes really moonlight as a bare-knuckles prizefighter? That seemed like a bit much) but the story was pretty sharp and fast paced without being ridiculous. I was worried going in about the homo rumors but I think they were just trying to rile people up because I didn't see that at all. Holmes IS very dependent on Watson's assistance but there was nothing sexual at all about it, and they both have female love interests.

I never read the stories, so perhaps the movie would be indeed disappointing to those who have. Going in with a blank slate about Sherlock Holmes, though, I thought it was the best movie I've seen in quite a while.

Posted by: radar at December 28, 2009 07:07 AM (sWEaY)

134 Polynikes, it sounds like you are describing Time After Time, which had a very Sherlockian HG Wells chasing Jack to modern San Francisco. A great movie, written by Holmes fan Nicholas Meyer, who also saved Star Trek by writing/directing Star Trek II. I vaguely recall a Made for TV movie or series which had Holmes travelling to modern day, but I can't seem to recall the name.

Posted by: Captain Atom at December 28, 2009 07:20 AM (2BCph)

135 I found it on IMDB: Sherlock Holmes Returns- 1993 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108117/ He was in suspended animation, or something. No Jack the Ripper in that one, though.

Posted by: Captain Atom at December 28, 2009 07:25 AM (2BCph)

136 If I'm not mistaken I think Sherlock was shown at least twice snorting coke, but not in a particularly attention-grabbing context -- no explicit mention of it in the dialogue or extreme slo-mo closeups.

Posted by: George guy at December 28, 2009 07:41 AM (xMlot)

137 The gay is more than implied. It's like Brokeback Mountain meets Pirates of the Caribbean. The homoerotic subplot is the basis of the story's meager jokes. The rest is sped-up quick cuts and CGI. If you love Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. and action films on Christmas Day, the producers had your number and made out (ha ha) fine. I'll eventually watch it on DVD. House feeds my Holmes hankerings just fine. Personally, I went to see Up in the Air and enjoyed it very much. I will probably never see Avatar.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at December 28, 2009 08:11 AM (mHQ7T)

138 Btw, I'm fully admitting I didn't see the movie. I'm going on the trailer, Downey's interview and Guy Ritchie movies I've seen including Swept Away.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at December 28, 2009 08:14 AM (mHQ7T)

139 42 THAT I would go see. Overtly gay and ass-kicking is fine. Sam Rami seems like he got Spiderman 3 out of his system with the darkly campy Drag Me To Hell. The win is strong in this one.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at December 28, 2009 08:20 AM (mHQ7T)

140 Actually, Radar...when you ask "did the literary Holmes really moonlight as a bare-knuckles prizefighter? That seemed like a bit much"

In the very first story (Sign of the four...), it's mentioned when he's talking to another boxer. Boxing is also among the list of things that Watson notes that Holmes is skilled at (along with swordfighting and singlestick/cudgels)

I think Sherlock was shown at least twice snorting coke.

Okay, me and Mr. Ritchie may have an issue here.. Sherlock's drug of choice was Opium/Heroin, not cocaine.

Posted by: Mark S. at December 28, 2009 09:42 AM (NNsqZ)

141 overall it was an enjoyable holiday movie, but I take a little issue with the comment that it was well acted by all. Homes and Watson are very well done, but Rachel McAdams is terrible. Both my wife and I agreed coming out of the movie that she was totally mis-cast. Everytime she speaks it brings the movie to a screeching halt, and not in a good way.
Also think the Hollywood style was a bit of a constraint on Richie's style. A little too overproduced and not enough of the smart street banter and visuals he is known for.

Posted by: patrick at December 28, 2009 10:22 AM (aPLBU)

142 Saw it last night, thought it was little to much on action and a little short on detecting. Probably about 90 percent a good movie, the fight scenes were a bit overdone. Holmes may have been a boxer, but a marshal arts expert?

Posted by: Bill at December 28, 2009 10:41 AM (LZSir)

143 I noticed that Ebert panned it. I wonder why.

Almost EVERYBODY who reviewed it panned it, from what I've seen. If you're a real Holmes fan you'll be horrified at this junk. If you've just heard of the guy and want another popcorn movie without even caring what the original stories were like, you'll probably enjoy it.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at December 28, 2009 10:44 AM (PQY7w)

144 Sherlock is 70% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes, hardly panned by EVERYBODY. I've read every original Holmes story 2-3 times in my life, and I thought it was pretty good. They just overemphasized different characteristics than previous versions did.

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