Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey Jr. ("Tropic Thunder" and "Iron Man") has a face the camera loves. I've thought about this film and it's sorta like a comedy, but not really; sorta like a drama, but not totally; sorta like a romance, but certainly not; and yet I was never bored and furthermore I LIKED the guy! There were many laugh-out-loud moments and the thorny relationship between Sherlock and Dr. Watson (this takes place very early in their acquaintance), had verbal cudgels flying.

Director Guy Richie ("Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels") loves the mayhem of fisticuffs and this film starts with a bare-knuckle brawl in which Holmes seems to be getting the worst of it. Then we are inside his head as he plots his strategy, which we watch in slow motion. When the time comes for him to implement his moves, they happen with blinding speed, but precisely according to plan.

We generally know how an intricate Sherlock Holmes plot will unfold, so let's focus on the actors:

• Jude Law ("The Holiday") is Dr. Watson, frustrated at every turn by Holmes as our good doctor attempts to marry the girl of his dreams and divorce himself from Holmes' byzantine life.
• Kelly Reilly ("Me and Orson Welles") is that self-same girl of Watson's dreams.
• Rachel McAdams ("Red Eye") is lovely and enigmatic as Irene Adler, The One Who Keeps Getting Away from our hero.
• Mark Strong ("The Young Victoria") is the not-quite-dead villain. What is that link with Moriarty? Hmmm... Mr. Strong is fast becoming one of the most ubiquitous actors in Britain.
• Eddie Marsen ("Little Dorrit") is Inspector Lestrade, reluctantly dependant on Holmes' brilliant deductive powers.

The production values are excellent and the dark, dank London streets are authentic and ominous. Expect plenty of humor, pay close attention to the plot, admire Richey's skill as a filmmaker and have a good time... I know I did.