Sherlock Holmes

Here's how you write this film. Get someone who's read the books really really
drunk. Then get a writer who has somehow lived his life without ever even
hearing of Sherlock Holmes really really drunk. Then get the reader to explain
the books to the writer. Then sober the writer up, and get him to write a
screenplay out of what he remembers.

The result? A knockabout action comedy, featuring characters that are almost,
but not entirely, unlike those created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

And I'm fine with that. The whole thing's a lot more fun than Sherlock Holmes
usually is, at least. Where it does fall down, I'm afraid, is in being
basically not that interesting plot-wise. Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law arsing
about the place beating people up like a pair of drunk Victorian ninjas are
great. However, Mark Strong as the sinister Lord Blackwood, the villain of the
piece is a bit too understated. And so he's lurking about in the shadows doing
something or other, and you really can't be bothered to pay attention to it.
You really needed someone to steal the show, the way Tim Curry would. Mark
Strong, much as I like him, is far too restrained for this film.

Anyway, the whole thing rattles on to a suitably sinister and silly conclusion,
and has entertained you sufficiently by the end. A sequel is heavily suggested,
and I for one would be happy to see it happen.