Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law play unconventional super-sleuths as Guy Ritchie boldly re-incarnates Sherlock Holmes. At first (and, especially, not having read the graphic novel), it appears that this is a more of a mix of the typical graphic novel elements - mature themes encompassing the dark occult, complex relationships and the like - than vintage Holmes. The movie eases up after a while, and in the end, when all is clarified, you may be forgiven for having believed somewhere along the line that this was a bit too noveau a reincarnation. Irene Adler adds a classic touch to the melange, and the female leads as well as the villian and his retinue, are exceedingly well-developed characters. An easy watch, with new dimensions to offer on the central character, an out-and-out hit, and a great entertainer that does not falter
16/20
