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Film will thrill everyone but Conan Doyle purists

By Jennifer Hudson

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Jude Law, left, and Robert Downey Jr. star as Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes in this scene from Guy Ritchie’s film “Sherlock Holmes.” //Warner Bros. Pictures

Robert Downey Jr. continues to enjoy the reinvention of his career with an exuberant performance in the very entertaining “Sherlock Holmes.”

Director Guy Ritchie uses a cleverly constructed script by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham (“Invictus”) and Simon Kinberg. Opting for humor over literary reverence, this incarnation of the beloved sleuth and his trusty sidekick Watson is full of spectacular action scenes, special effects and witty dialogue.

Due to shrewd detective work by Sherlock Homes (Downey) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law), Lord Blackwood (a serial killer who claims to be a sorcerer and black-magic practitioner) is finally arrested and the duo celebrates another victory, once again having secured the streets of 1887 London.

Unfortunately their celebration is short-lived, for just as the incarcerated Blackwood (Mark Strong) had ominously predicted prior to his hanging, it appears that he has mysteriously risen from the grave to carry out three more killings. This prompts Holmes and Watson to re-open their case and desperately race against time to unravel Blackwood’s dastardly plot to control all of London and, eventually, the world.

Thrown into the mix is Holmes’ old flame and occasional adversary Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) a con woman who shows up with a request from an unidentified employer who is armed with an agenda of his own.

Downey and Law create an appealing screen chemistry that compliments both of their performances. With a set-up for a sequel established in the last minutes of the film, expect this successful partnership to continue at least through one more go-around with these endearing characters.

Downey’s Golden Globe win in the best actor (comedy category) for his charismatic and charming performance as Holmes isn’t likely to generate enough momentum to win him an Oscar nomination, but he continues to be one of the most innovative and skilled actors of his generation.

While authentic costuming and a healthy serving of CGI helps create the illusion of 1887 London, Ritchie’s overall approach to the material culminates in a film that is only loosely based on the stories and familiar characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Holmes purists won’t likely be amused, but that hasn’t kept this highly anticipated comedic adventure from being a solid hit at the box-office.

Three and a half stars out of five

Longtime Valley resident Jennifer Hudson reviews films weekly for the Valley News. She can be reached at moviegoers123@comcast.net