- Location: Kris and Megan's
- Inspired seemingly by that coarse, rough-and-tumble side of England usually associated with rugby, pub brawls, and hooliganism, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes presents a very different interpretation of the famous detective from any other that has previously appeared on film. Gone is the genteel impression of Victorian life cultivated by the likes of Nigel Bruce, Peter Cushing, and Jeremy Brett. When played by Robert Downey Jr., the detective is a veritable whirlwind of punching, kicking, and explosions, with only the occasional ounce of deduction tossed in for seasoning. The ever-present pipe never gets smoked, the deerstalker hat is nowhere to be found, and the violin hardly gets played (and never well).
- The case Holmes chooses for himself this time around is a strange one indeed, involving the dark arts, human sacrifice, and the resurrection of the dead. The man responsible for all of this, an especially nefarious chap named Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), has designs on conquering the world, and Holmes is only too eager to prevent him, if only to stave off his recurring ennui. Along to assist the detective are the usual folks, including the redoubtable Watson (Jude Law) and the hapless Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan). Holmes' infamous love interest Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) is also along for the ride, although it is less clear whether she is there to assist or to hamper. Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and Mrs. Hudson (Geraldine James) are included, too, but let's be frank: this is not a world for shrinking violets.
- Instead it is a world where brutes named Dredger (Robert Maillet) pick up people by their necks and toss them around like rag dolls. It's also a world where Holmes slowly ponders a complicated combination of fighting moves just before demolishing nearly any opponent who stands in his way. Ritchie's direction goes to great pains (and "pain" is the correct term) to emphasize this process, having the audience watch every brutal takedown twice at two different speeds. The experience reminded me of watching a rough football tackle complete with instant replay, although the film has far less downtime than a typical football game. While Downey Jr. and Strong both turn in good enough performances, I'm left wondering why anybody would want to see a barrage of noise and violent eruptions mispackaged as a Victorian-era mystery. It's certainly not Holmes, and it's not even really very good.
- Moriarty also appears, but exclusively as a shadow with a gun/setup for a sequel.
