Guy Ritchie’s ballsy reinvention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s super-sleuth turns out to be a thrilling comic book of a film, heavy on the action if a little questionable on the science. As far from Basil Rathbone’s dapper character as possible, Robert Downey Jr. plays Holmes as a disheveled, hyperactive genius who can deduce a person’s life story simply by looking at their earlobe yet is beset by paranoia and a manic obsession with details—the famous cocaine habit mentioned in Sir Doyle’s books receiving a few subtle affirmations. Jude Law, on the other hand, provides much needed balance as the grounded and more even-tempered Watson whose loyal yet thorny relationship with Holmes injects a welcome chemistry into all the derring-do and fantastical plot twists. But it is the technical wizardry which ultimately seals the deal with 19th century London sets hovering somewhere between Victorian Gothic and Steampunk. Thoroughly convincing CGI backdrops have you practically smelling the coal smoke which seems to cast a pall over everything while bold panoramas of the town itself are a succession of gilded interiors and bricked facades blackened with soot. Holmes’ lauded laboratory-cum-apartment alone is a fascinating jumble of primitive CSI bric-à-brac, bullet holes, and dirty dishes—kudos to the art department. The Thames has never looked older or more "used" while the partially constructed Tower Bridge looms menacingly on the horizon awaiting its climactic cameo. And for aficionados of Sherlock Holmes there are enough in-jokes and literary references to maintain a perpetual smile. A perfectly edited, nicely scored adrenaline rush which sweeps you along so effectively you’re willing to forgive the hero’s greatly exaggerated powers of deduction and frequently bogus scientific stretches (for this is fantasy after all). One of those few films for which a sequel is actually welcome.

Action-packed, comedic, intelligent, brilliant! Be sure and watched the production film after. Guy Ritchey is brilliant. This movie does not disappoint.

Very Americanized version of Conan Doyle, I think. Downey's frenetic performance is not engaging--Sherlock should always be engaging, despite his eccentricities--and Jude Law provides inadequate support. Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler makes no impression at all. Just a mess of herky-jerky movement, no thought behind it.

I recently re watched this movie and I was blown away by how much I still love it! It's funny, witty and so Sherlock while also being a completely different style than anything else out there. Every five minutes or so i was saying "this is my favourite part!" I can't wait for #3 to come out in 2021!

Think; "Wild Wild West" in London.

Good movie!

He's uncouth. He's unconventional. He's Holmes. His pulse never seems to race, especially with Robert Downey Jr.'s performance that adds a coolness to the role. He is methodically dismantling the mystery, mostly by happenstance, while simultaneously infuriating his partner Watson (played by a strait-laced Jude Law). The ladies play a significant role here, too, with the contrast of the governess Mary that Watson wants to marry with the wily criminal mastermind that Sherlock loves. Regardless, it all stems back to that most elementary fraternity between Holmes and Watson. Is there a fault I must pick? Sadly, yes. I expected a Sherlock film to be more focused on the case, but this flick is more interested in the spectacle of the protagonist's personality, followed by great theatrics. It's a thoroughly interesting albeit not hair-raising introduction to Sherlock. As long as you enjoy Robert Downey Jr.'s acting (specifically the charismatic arrogance from IRON MAN which he borrows from amply), then you will most likely enjoy SHERLOCK HOLMES. If not, you'll struggle to get through the running time. Being of the former group, I still recommend this film, despite its visible cracks.

Sherlock Holmes is really entertaining, especially when you have Robert Downey Jr speaking in a British accent. The movie is really interesting and the relationship between Watson and Holmes shows that. Holmes is always curious of his surroundings and is always ready for anything suspicious whereas Watson acts like normal people. I like the fact that Holmes and Watson have two completely different personalities. Holmes’s thinking ability is a gift which makes the movie even more amazing in action. The plot was nicely done as well. I thought the whole plot revolved around black magic but actually there was no black magic involved at all. Overall, I think this movie is a great movie to watch.
- @leomeme of the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library

My God is this funny! Even the second time.

An excellent mystery thriller!