RECOMMENDED

In a word: Rollicking

Plot: Having solved a particularly fiendish case and putting the villain (the dastardly Lord Blackwood) in jail, the partnership of super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his erstwhile partner, Dr. Watson is at a crossroads. Watson is moving out of Baker Street and getting married. Holmes is desperate for another big case, or anything to occupy his brain. However, there last case won't leave them alone. It seems Lord Blackwood has come back from the dead and has resumed his killing spree. Holmes has further problems when a woman from his past, Irene Adler, re-enters his life.

Black magic, fisticuffs, secret societies, loud explosions, narrow escapes and animal experimentation (poor Gladstone!) abound!

Thoughts: First off, if you're a Holmes purist and can't stand the notion of altering the beloved sleuth in any way - best to stay home. If you don't mind a little tweaking, you're in for a fun ride!

The main reason the movie is so enjoyable is the acting. The chemistry between Downey and Law is excellent. Though Downey's Holmes is a far cry from the original literary character, I didn't mind the changes (within the context of the film). Law's Dr. Watson, on the other hand, is as stalwart as ever. Rachel McAdams hold her own as Irene Adler, the only woman to ever outsmart Holmes.

The scenery comes in a close second to the acting here. London has never looked quite so dirty, sooty, grimy and glorious! Even the CGI is terrific. The final scene between Holmes, Adler and Blackwood on the top of a partially constructed Tower Bridge is awesome! It's a pity this film will lose every technical award given to Avatar, because I must say this film looks just as good.

If the film has a failing, it's in its director. I'm not a fan of Guy Ritchie. His style is all flash and no substance. He tones it down a bit here, but there is still a feeling of slapdashery (is that a word? It is now!), that detracts from the film. I think if this film had been helmed by someone else, it would have been spectacular instead of just "fun".

Still, it IS fun and I look forward to more adventures of Holmes and Watson!

Spoilers: I was VERY happy to see Sherlock explain away all the 'black magic' at the end of the film. I was hoping the filmmakers wouldn't go so far as to allowing the supernatural into a Sherlock Holmes story. I'm looking forward to seeing a sequel with Moriarty!

If you liked this try: Time After Time; Iron Man; Masterpiece Theater's Sherlock Homes (the one with Jeremy Brett - who is still my favorite Sherlock!)