Sherlock Holmes - 9/10 - I wasn't expecting to enjoy this. I haven't liked a Guy Ritchie film in years, I can't stand Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. seemed like the strangest of choices to play Holmes, but damnit, against all odds it actually works and the outcome is a highly enjoyable action adventure set against the smokey backdrop of industrial London. Downey is amazing as Holmes, his mannerisms and accent instantly recall the classic character, but Downey's portrayl has been infused with an inebriated dash of Richard E. Grant in 'Withnail & I' or with a touch of the eccentric insanity of Hunter S. Thompson - Downey's Holmes is a more drunken, inconsiderate and bizarre character than the original stories ever suggested. Jude Law does an admirable job as the steadfast Dr. Watson, the highest praise I can give him is that not once did his presence irritate me (and for Jude Law, that is nearly a first), Rachel McAdams turns in a perfectly acceptable performance as Irene Adler, an American femme-fatal and Holmes' discrete love interest, while Mark Strong proves competantly menacing as Lord Blackwood, the villain of the tale. With a good dose of action, a solid script, a rousing score and some great performces all round, this perfectly paced action adventure provides one hell of an ejoyable ride, even with the painfully obvious sequel set up at the end.
