Sherlock Holmes is a snappy action mystery that packs a punch with its technical prowess and the energetic interpretations of its iconic characters.  

In a decade of reboots, Sherlock Holmes is a film that takes its rightful place in the upper echelons inhabited by Batman Begins, Star Trek, and Casino Royale. This is due to the passionate zeal invested by its spot on cast and their commander in chief Guy Ritchie, who has put down his worn out pen and opted to approach this film as a director only rather than a writer/director of repetitive material.  

After a ripping opening sequence, it is clear that viewers will not be met with the usual interpretation of the popular character, who has been often portrayed in a much more refined light.

Rather, an amalgamation of creator Sir Author Conan Doyle’s original depiction of Holmes as an eccentric bohemian detective, and Ritchie’s sense for hard men doing hard yards in order to get the job done, is presented in an introduction that features Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and faithful sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) apprehending a sinister villain with extreme prejudice.

What follows plot wise is a film of two stories: the first a lively yet at times confusing apocalyptic mystery involving a menacing master of the dark arts, Lord Blackwood (a well cast Mark Strong); and the second focusing on Holmes’ relationships with a departing Watson, and former flame Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams).       

The production value on this film is excellent. Cinematographer Philippe Rouseelot magnificently captures Sarah Greenwood’s goth inspired production design; Ritchie regular James Herbert keeps the film on a lively keel with his snappy editing; and composer Hans Zimmer chimes in with a rich and energetic score.

Buoying its technical achievements are its performances. Law (who hasn’t been this good in a long time), McAdams, and Strong all provide solid work. Yet it is Downey Jr. –perhaps the most entertaining actor working today – who goes all out with his interpretation of this iconic character, more than meeting expectations while inhabiting his Holmes with aggression, wit, and intelligence.

Its ending more than suggests a sequel is under foot, and if so that will give Downey Jr. a second franchise to play with (the first being Iron Man), which is more than deserving for an actor of his popularity and talents, and for fans of Sherlock Holmes.