Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: Sherlock Holmes movies

If you're an obsessed fan of the Arthur Conan Doyle's literary hero, Sherlock Holmes, then rejoice!

Too many are there films about this infamous detective but none whatsoever has actually portrayed Holmes in such manner that was written by Doyle and described by Holmes' assistant, Dr Watson as "Bohemian in nature". Almost all films or TV movies dedicated for this character presented Holmes as a stoic robotic deductive monster - more or less an interpretation of the drawing by Sydney Paget rather than the description of the writer. However, director Guy Ritchie translated the role as he is; witty, eccentric, untidy man with no penchant for order.

Cinematography-wise, the dark nuance is similar to David Yates' work in "Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince". Interesting, in a sense that it captures the aura of the late 19th to early 20th century where science is dominating the scene and the foggy dirty London signifies the industrial revolution at its height. Even the steamboat scene at Thames looks exquisite from the way it was shot.

Most of the known characters are present in this film - from Holmes to Lestrade, even to their pug and the gypsy woman who works for the detective. Robert Downey Jr. in his quest to become the perfect Holmes did a mighty fine job in stripping off the cliche look that people would go for. In his rowdy and disorderly appearance, he manages to humanise the character to a T. Jude Law plays a fine Dr Watson and manages to share an equal limelight with Downey. However, it is a bit of a shame that Irene Adler lost her mystery as "The Woman" who was ever able to outplay Holmes. The costume choice made Rachel McAdams look like a "Soho girl" instead of a lady, though she did a pretty good job in her role.

Taking the period of which Dr Watson is moving away from 221 Baker Street to marry his dream woman, the only rust in this solid performance is the rapidity of the film. Although clocking at 2 hours and 8 minutes, every single scene is done in such quickness that for those who are new to the character and the British accent will find it difficult to follow every detail and explanation.

Anyway, this reviewer has deducted that from the way the film ended, there will be a sequel and it will involve a professor. Here's a clue - he's Holmes greatest enemy. The game's afoot!

Cinema Online, 17 December 2009