Sherlock Holmes

For some, Sherlock Holmes stories are all about solving mysteries and becoming captivated by one man's unique intellect. While these are certainly a part of Guy Ritchie's new film, at its heart, this is a look at one of the most legendary friendships in all of fiction. Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) are closer than brothers and bicker like an old married couple. They've shared a London flat while solving several mysteries together but now Watson is getting married to Mary (Kelly Reilly, "Mrs. Henderson Presents") and moving out.
Feeling abandoned and bored, Holmes fills his days and nights performing some rather dangerous experiments. It's been months since their last case in which they caught the infamous Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), whom Watson himself pronounced dead after his hanging. But when Blackwood's tomb is found destroyed from the inside, the coffin is opened. Blackwood has been replaced with a red-haired "ginger midget." It's just the sort of mystery to get Holmes out of the house and perhaps more importantly to him, a chance for some more bro time with Watson.
Ritchie and a rather large team of writers have crafted a very entertaining film full of action, humor, intrigue, and most importantly of all, characters we care about tossing around fantastic dialogue. Regardless of what your idea of Holmes may be, Downey is a blast to watch. He's as charismatic as an actor can be here. Law is almost as good. Despite the many annoying and manipulative actions of Holmes, Watson is loyal to the end and it's easy to see why these two are the closest of friends. Think Shawn and Gus from "Psych" but in late 19th century England. Rachel McAdams does a fine job as well as the only woman to ever outsmart Holmes...twice.
"Sherlock Holmes" is a ton of fun and a great way to spend a Friday night. Or any night for that matter. 8/10.