Robert Downey Jr turns Sherlock Holmes into an action hero in Guy Ritchies new take on the famous character… And thus Warner Bros took a chance.
It cast Robert Downey Jr in front of the camera, and put Guy Ritchie behind it.
Its fair to say that it wins one gamble, and struggles more with the other.
The first half of the film is where its at its weakest.
Exaggerated bursts of speed?
The general feeling that youre watching a videogame play out?
You better believe it.
This is not a wise move.
If youre wondering what the point of such fighting segments was, youre not alone.
It feels like historicalFight Clubat one point.
Fortunately, in time the plot comes along to jolly things along.
Here, we meet Lord Blackthorn, who is hung and pronounced dead by Jude Laws Doctor Watson.
Thats for Holmes and Watson to work out, and the film eventually allows them to do so.
And after a fairly flat first half, things splutter into life perfectly well.
Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler doesnt fare much better.
Its a bit of a scattergun film.
Above all, though, they need to get Downey Jr back.
A bit more of a focus on the detective work wouldnt hurt, either….
Rating:
3 out of 5
