Sherlock Holmes

[Vidocq]

The Trailer is up http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=video&show_id=98159

I'm surprised to see how they decided to portray Irene Adler, I guess that they are amplifing her Cunning, being able to outwit Holmes, never saw her as such a femme Fatale, but I guess this is what one gets with a reimagening.

Also, I really hope they don't go for the Boring Sherlock Holmes Vs the Supernatural and go for the tried and true formula Sherlock Holmes vs the Apparent Supernatural.

I'm weary, but I still have high hopes for this movie......Sherlockian Forums must be going Berserk though.

[fireSTRIKE!]

in my heart, I just CANNOT accept Downey as Holmes...

[rick]

It just looks so very, very bad.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd like to be shown otherwise.

But so far I am not getting my hopes up.

[Pro]

I want to like it but Downey jr is playing Sherlock as a flashy playboy who's hobby is playing detective.

The clip doesn't fill me with confidence.
Didn't recognise the character at all as being Sherlock.

[GRANT!]

Didn't recognise the character at all as being Sherlock.

I think they wanted deviate from the traditional Holmes and play up his bohemian adventurer side. Which is kind of an interesting angle.

It does look pretty goofy though but kind of fun (the hammer bit was pretty funny). I don't know if I ever seen a live action Holmes that I was satisfied with. Actually to be honest I don't think I was even loved any of the original stories as much as I liked the idea of the Holmes.

[Pro]

I think they wanted deviate from the traditional Holmes and play up his bohemian adventurer side. Which is kind of an interesting angle.

Well like i said I want to like it, I like the actors and the character and I hope they'll surprise me, just the clip didn't fill me with confidence. Too flashy and the dialogue felt kinda awkward.

I don't know if I ever seen a live action Holmes that I was satisfied with.

Have you seen the old BBC series?

[Stressfactor]

I could be wrong, but I have to admit, after seeing the trailer, I'm already starting to file this one under SHINO (Sherlock Holmes in Name Only).

I actually wasn't upset that they got Downey for Homes because I figured if ANY American actor could do the right thing and get an accent coach and sustain a British accent for the whole shoot it would be him but, It's hard to tell from those clips, its that some kind of quasi-Scottish hybrid he's using there? What the heck IS that accent?!

Also, all of the action shots are a bit disconcerting since, while Conan Doyle in his books and stories that Holmes was an accomplished boxer and single stick fighter among other things, Holmes never used these talents. I can't think of one story in which Holmes actually got into a fight.

Some of the gadgetry and explosions also have that anachronicstic Wild, Wild West feel but The Wild, Wild West was SUPPOSED to be a tongue-in-cheek show... I can't decide if this movie is supposed to be serious or tongue-in-cheek.

It all just looks like a mess. A big mess.

As for Irene Adler -- her appeal was that she was just as clever as Holmes. While she was a beautiful woman THAT wasn't what turned Holmes' head. He was immune to physical attractiveness. What got him was the fact that she turned the tables on him. She figured out who he was, what he was doing, and she even disguised herself enough to fool him! It was her MIND that he admired.

[Agent Helix]

Who knew that Guy Ritchie always wanted to be Stephen Sommers when he grew up?

[The Confessor]

Hmmmm...looks pretty bad if you ask me. I can't see anything there that reminds me of the Conan Doyle stories. I think Stressfactor's got it right when he says "Sherlock Holmes in name only".

Pity really, I was hoping for better.

[jesse_custer]

Guy Ritchie's filmmaking just doesn't interest me.

[Agent Helix]

His major problem is that if you've seen one of his movies, you really have seen all of them. He's not as bad as that Boondock Saints guy, but he's really just not a very intriguing filmmaker, nor does he seem to have very much to say. He just made a flashy Britcrime movie, then kept making it.

[jesse_custer]

It's like watching a Tarantino movie with mediocre technical attention.

[Mac Danny]

Will anything ever replace Young Sherlock Holmes in my heart?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/Ysh_poster.jpg/420px-Ysh_poster.jpg

I hope this will but I an not sure. Why couldn' t Jude Law be Holmes?

Rami-tep Rami-tep!

[GRANT!]

Have you seen the old BBC series?

Yes, I have seen it.

[Mike Pothier]

mmm... not feeling it. Sherlock Holmes was always a big nerd to me, a social outcast who used Watson as a buffer between him and the world. This looks like an action/titty flick trying to be an "edgy" Sherlock Holmes. Do not want.

[TROUBLEZ]

I always imagined that a Sherlock Holmes movie would be like a supsense/thriller from back in the day with the setting and style of The Prestige.

This seems like a typical summer blockbuster.

Some of the gadgetry and explosions also have that anachronicstic Wild, Wild West feel
That's immediately how it felt when I first saw the trailer. The 300 style slo-mo fights, the explosions...

Really, why couldn't Jude Law be Holmes?

What I did like from the trailer is the funny moments Downey has. The rest seems too typical. End of the world, only Homes can save it, secret Cthulhu worshippers, explosion.

To me it tries too hard to say, "This isn't your fathers Sherlock Holmes!"

[Stressfactor]

mmm... not feeling it. Sherlock Holmes was always a big nerd to me, a social outcast who used Watson as a buffer between him and the world. This looks like an action/titty flick trying to be an "edgy" Sherlock Holmes. Do not want.Holmes as someone with a light case of Asperger's Syndrome? I could see that.

[GRANT!]

Holmes as someone with a light case of Asperger's Syndrome? I could see that.

Ever seen Zero Effect?

[Tobias March]

Ever seen Zero Effect?

Very underrated film.

Have you seen Billy Wilder's Sherlock film Grant and if so what did you make of it?

[Pól Rua]

Jeremy Brett's Holmes in the old BBC series is the only actor who's ever nailed the character. He really captured the essence of the character's genius, while allowing that he was a fairly adept physical specimen.
For mine, it's almost the only time a straight adaption has actually managed to scrape aside the Basil Rathbone barnacles and get to Conan Doyle's actual character.

REALLY didn't like the Billy Wilder film, 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes'. Had a neat premise, but really didn't live up to it, portraying Holmes as a hapless doof being led around by the nose by a horribly, horribly miscast Christopher Lee as (not even slightly morbidly obese) Mycroft Holmes.

As for Basil Rathbone, well, it's almost impossible to hate the guy, but his Holmes bears as much resemblance to his literary inspiration as Bela Lugosi's Dracula does to Bram Stoker's character.

[GRANT!]

Very underrated film.

If I had to pick a favorite Holmes movie that would be it. Even though it's technically not Sherlock Holmes.

Have you seen Billy Wilder's Sherlock film Grant and if so what did you make of it?

Never seen it. I know it's on DVD now but I when I wanted to see it I couldn't find it on video. I've heard mixed things.

[berk]

Jeremy Brett's Holmes in the old BBC series is the only actor who's ever nailed the character. He really captured the essence of the character's genius, while allowing that he was a fairly adept physical specimen.
For mine, it's almost the only time a straight adaption has actually managed to scrape aside the Basil Rathbone barnacles and get to Conan Doyle's actual character.

REALLY didn't like the Billy Wilder film, 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes'. Had a neat premise, but really didn't live up to it, portraying Holmes as a hapless doof being led around by the nose by a horribly, horribly miscast Christopher Lee as (not even slightly morbidly obese) Mycroft Holmes.

As for Basil Rathbone, well, it's almost impossible to hate the guy, but his Holmes bears as much resemblance to his literary inspiration as Bela Lugosi's Dracula does to Bram Stoker's character.Come to think of it, Christopher Lee might have made an interesting Holmes.

[Mike Pothier]

I was discussing who would make a good Holmes with my wife, and she pulled name that I thought was inspired: Daniel Craig. He's got that hawk-like face and can do the dry wit that I've always seen Sherlock Holmes having.

[Pól Rua]

Come to think of it, Christopher Lee might have made an interesting Holmes.
Indeed he would've... and still could, depending on when in the character's life you want to set the film. But yeah, he was definitely cast as the wrong Holmes in 'Private Life'.

I was discussing who would make a good Holmes with my wife, and she pulled name that I thought was inspired: Daniel Craig. He's got that hawk-like face and can do the dry wit that I've always seen Sherlock Holmes having.
I can see that.
I hate to admit it, because it smacks a little of that whole 'here's a character with a beard - we'll get Sean Connery to play him' casting, but he'd be interesting. He's got a nice degree of intellectual and emotional detatchment not only in the Bond films, but in 'Layer Cake' as well.

[Damiean Dark]

I loved Ironman but SH really does seem like Tony Stark in Victorian London with a bad british accent.

Jeremy Brett will always be the ultimate Holmes for me but i have recently got into those radio shows broadcast during the 40s starring Rathbone and Bruce which are very entertaining, thanks to the wonders of the net they are now free to download on various websites.

Which actor played the best Holmes for you guys and which is the best film/tv show?.

[Damiean Dark]

I was discussing who would make a good Holmes with my wife, and she pulled name that I thought was inspired: Daniel Craig. He's got that hawk-like face and can do the dry wit that I've always seen Sherlock Holmes having.

Nah Craig has too cold a look without looking witty imo this is one of the reasons i think he makes a poor bond.

I think Sam Rockwell could have been good for a modern Holmes he has humour and witt in abundance.

[Damiean Dark]

I was discussing who would make a good Holmes with my wife, and she pulled name that I thought was inspired: Daniel Craig. He's got that hawk-like face and can do the dry wit that I've always seen Sherlock Holmes having.

Nah Craig has too cold a look without looking witty imo this is one of the reasons i think he makes a poor bond he has none of the witt of Connery,moore brosnon, who have this attribute on camera AND off.

I think Sam Rockwell could have been good for a modern Holmes he has humour and witt in abundance.

[Dennis K]

I was discussing who would make a good Holmes with my wife, and she pulled name that I thought was inspired: Daniel Craig. He's got that hawk-like face and can do the dry wit that I've always seen Sherlock Holmes having.

I don't think this would have been a terrible idea at all.

[Hoss]

I saw the trailer last night before Terminator and was really intrigued by it. The caveat being here that I've never been a Holmes fan and have found most Holmes stuff pretty boring. I also really enjoy Richie's films - even if he only has one film in him. RocknRolla was probably the most fun I've had with a rental so far in 2009. And I'll sit down and watch Snatch again with you any time you want. Lock, Stock, etc was a blast and I never saw that ego-piece he did as a present for his then new bride.

So, this is basically them using Sherlock Holmes name to bring people to a Guy Richie crime movie set in Victorian England. I'm stoked but I really, really, feel for actual Holmes fans.

[Stony]

I have to say, while the trailer itself doesn't really sell for me, it's hard for me to feel for Holmes fans.
It's not like they have a lack of faithful adaptations of the mythos, if you know where to look, you'd be drowning in them
So with that in mind, I have no problem with them mixing it up a little.

Though as I said the trailer doesn't do much for me. I think I would have preferred an LOEG treatment with Holmes going up against Jack the Ripper or Arsene Lupin or something different.
And have Ralph Fiennes under the deerstalker hat

And more swordfights. Any movie, no matter how bad can immediately be improved with a good swordfight.

[Corrina]

I thought Christopher Plummer made an excellent Holmes.

Unfortunately, the movie "Murder by Decree" doesn't live up to the performance. And it had James Mason, too.

[Vidocq]

The More I think about this, the more disapointed it gets. RDJ might do a good job and for what I've seen Jude Law is a great Watson but the Plot seems to be hell for us Fans, and Irene Adler, Goddamn it, Irene Adler. I have no problem with it being an Adventure movie, Many stories, specially does involving spionage, had plenty of action and I like the Anachronistic cloths, it assentuates Holmes' bohemian nature. But the blockbuster of a plot? A SHERLOCK HOLMES MOVIE! Might as well have all the bad penis jokes the Will Ferrell Movie will surely have.

At first I thought I was just being annal as a fan ( Like when I bitched about Ledger's Joker using Make up back in 2007). This still cvan turn out to be good, but My expectations for this just when lower than any other movie of this year.

[Vidocq]

By the way, with BBC TV series, do you mean Jeremy Bretts' Holmes? Cause that was on Granada TV not BBC.

[Papa Moai]

Holmes as someone with a light case of Asperger's Syndrome? I could see that.I read that exact theory in a cinema magazine once and it seemed to fit.

By the way, with BBC TV series, do you mean Jeremy Bretts' Holmes? Cause that was on Granada TV not BBC.Jeremy Brett will always be the one and only true Holmes to me.

[lonewolf23k]

I think we should all remember something here... "Never Trust a Trailer" (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NeverTrustATrailer). They may be focusing on the action and explosions in the Trailer, but that's likely just to draw attention to the movie.

That actual story will likely involve Holmes doing a lot more investigating.

[Hoss]

That actual story will likely involve Holmes doing a lot more investigating.

Well, it is Guy Richie - I'd be more concerned about his modern style. He channels 1970s crime capers through Gen X attitudes and humor. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm stoked for this film, but it very much looks, feels and sounds like a Guy Richie flick.

[Mister Jerusalem]

I think we should all remember something here... "Never Trust a Trailer" (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NeverTrustATrailer). They may be focusing on the action and explosions in the Trailer, but that's likely just to draw attention to the movie.

That actual story will likely involve Holmes doing a lot more investigating.

There have been quite a few movies of late that have done this. Hancock comes to mind. I know many people who went to see the movie based on what they saw in the trailers...and went WTF? But seeing as it is a Guy Ritchie movie, the may not be much hope. I like the guy for what he does...ie dumb action with fun characters, but Holmes...just don't know.

[fireSTRIKE!]

Jeremy Brett will always be the one and only true Holmes to me.

I agree... damn fine performances by Brett, David Burke and Edward Hardwicke... I seriously doubt if there will be anything or anyone in the future that will ever surpass the work and effort that was accomplished by those actors in that series... truly superb...

[Rabid Trekkie]

I'm stoked but I really, really, feel for actual Holmes fans.

Well as a Holmes fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. It can be difficult to breathe new life into a film adaption of a character, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I expected this to be a different Holmes, they're trying to get that mainstream audience who needs the sex and the big explosions, but hopefully that won't get in the way of the character too much. After all, that kind of stuff could have happened, in the stories themselves Watson mentions thrilling adventures that he can't write down because of matters of state and the like, so most of the stories that we read are the lesser adventures Holmes went on.

But more than anything, I really hope this brings new and good attention to the character. I'd love a new Sherlock Holmes series on tv or something, like a Victorian era CSI except just with him, Watson, and maybe a couple of the Irregulars. If the BBC did something like that and then put it on BBC America they'd have my undivided attention for an hour every week.

[Vidocq]

But more than anything, I really hope this brings new and good attention to the character. I'd love a new Sherlock Holmes series on tv or something, like a Victorian era CSI except just with him, Watson, and maybe a couple of the Irregulars. If the BBC did something like that and then put it on BBC America they'd have my undivided attention for an hour every week.

I heard that BBC One was making a TV show called Sherlock, With Holmes and Watson set in today's world. Has anybody else heard of this?

[meethraa]

It's not like they are messing with the Decalogue. Holmes hasn't been on screen onsceen for a while, so this can't be bad..

[Stressfactor]

Actually, TV and comic book writer John Rogers has an interesting and, in many ways probably true take on Holmes and Watson that I would FAR rather see on big or small screen than Guy Ritchie's version.

Rogers points out that:

1) For "Study in Scarlet" Watson had just been mustered out of the military and was still suffering from the battle injuries he sustained. He would have been a LOT younger than he's often portrayed because colleges worked differently back then and Watson was probably a full fledged surgeon by the time he was 22 or 23. Figuring the military experience, Rogers put Watson at 26 or so for the early stories and since Holmes is said to be still studying at university he is probably about the same age.

2) Watson was a combat veteran and there ARE hints in some of the stories that he had some time shaking what happened to him in Afghanistan. You factor in some PTSD and the fact that Watson had several different guns to his name and would often casually ask Holmes if he should bring one along and you get a picture of a guy who's seen some crap and knows how to handle himself but is not without his compassion... or a liking of the ladies.

3) Holmes as a "perpetual grad student" not above making a quick buck off his talents where he can and messing around with some controlled substances in his free time.

[Vidocq]

So two new trailers have appeared since I opened this thread.

An International Trailer that is slightly different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNPQjMBJCIU

And a TV Spot with Mrs Hudson and Watson's Bullpup (A nice nod to the Study in Scarlet)
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=60178

So what do you think?

[Vidocq]

Actually, TV and comic book writer John Rogers has an interesting and, in many ways probably true take on Holmes and Watson that I would FAR rather see on big or small screen than Guy Ritchie's version.

Rogers points out that:

1) For "Study in Scarlet" Watson had just been mustered out of the military and was still suffering from the battle injuries he sustained. He would have been a LOT younger than he's often portrayed because colleges worked differently back then and Watson was probably a full fledged surgeon by the time he was 22 or 23. Figuring the military experience, Rogers put Watson at 26 or so for the early stories and since Holmes is said to be still studying at university he is probably about the same age.

2) Watson was a combat veteran and there ARE hints in some of the stories that he had some time shaking what happened to him in Afghanistan. You factor in some PTSD and the fact that Watson had several different guns to his name and would often casually ask Holmes if he should bring one along and you get a picture of a guy who's seen some crap and knows how to handle himself but is not without his compassion... or a liking of the ladies.

3) Holmes as a "perpetual grad student" not above making a quick buck off his talents where he can and messing around with some controlled substances in his free time.

If I remeber correnctly from the Canon, Holmes wasn't a student in the University, He was just allowed to conduct his experiments in their Lab. As a matter of fact I think that in a story (I think it was Gloria Scott) He mentions that he had a hard time getting Jobs as a Detective after college, and some believe that he never even graduated, that he simply dropped out (Forgot the reasoning behind it). And GLOR was set before he met Watson.

[rick]

I thought Christopher Plummer made an excellent Holmes.

Unfortunately, the movie "Murder by Decree" doesn't live up to the performance. And it had James Mason, too.

I know that this is months old mind you, but I just rewatched Bob Clark's Murder by Decree recently and besides it obviously being a huge influence on the plot of Alan Moores From Hell it's a damm fine movie.

Plummer is right up their with Brett and Nicol Williamson as Holmes, Mason is a wonderfully competent by funny Watson and the rest of the cast, and especially Susan Clark as Mary Kelly and Geneviève Bujold as Annie Crook are great.

Plus Frank Finley makes for the most likable Lestrad in all the films.

It's not a classic, but it is a decent movie form one of Canada's most eclectic filmmakers.

[End of Time]

As for Irene Adler -- her appeal was that she was just as clever as Holmes. While she was a beautiful woman THAT wasn't what turned Holmes' head. He was immune to physical attractiveness. What got him was the fact that she turned the tables on him. She figured out who he was, what he was doing, and she even disguised herself enough to fool him! It was her MIND that he admired.

Honey, the reason why Irene Adler never turned Holmes' head is because Holmes doesn't swing that way. Sherlock Holmes... the eternal doped up bachelor... is just plain gay.

It's stated as much in the original stories.

[Vakanai]

Honey, the reason why Irene Adler never turned Holmes' head is because Holmes doesn't swing that way. Sherlock Holmes... the eternal doped up bachelor... is just plain gay.

It's stated as much in the original stories.

That's the vibe you got?
I always got an asexual vibe from Holmes. The guy thinks about sex about as often as I think about something I never find myself thinking about.

Asexuals are kind of rare, but they do exist you know.

[Vidocq]

Honey, the reason why Irene Adler never turned Holmes' head is because Holmes doesn't swing that way. Sherlock Holmes... the eternal doped up bachelor... is just plain gay.

It's stated as much in the original stories.

Irene Adler did very much turned Holmes' head. He kept his picture and looked at it while he practiced Violin. And is not really stated. It's just an interpretation many have gotten. But in Devil's Foot Holmes says (SPOILERS AHEAD, 100 year old SPOILERS, but SPOILERS still)

I have never loved, Watson, but if I did and if the woman I loved had met such an end, I might act even as our lawless lion-hunter has done. Who knows?


(He was reffering to a Lion Hunter who killed the murder of his loved one by using the same poison the murder used on her, which caused a violent psychotic episode before killing the victim. )

But who knows...

[Vidocq]

Also New Poster though it looks fake.

http://www.cinematical.com/photos/sherlock-holmes-poster/2394926/

[Corrina]

Honey, the reason why Irene Adler never turned Holmes' head is because Holmes doesn't swing that way. Sherlock Holmes... the eternal doped up bachelor... is just plain gay.

It's stated as much in the original stories.

It's not stated in the original stories at all. In fact, it's stated several times by Watson that Holmes is asexual and tended to view human beings with cool detachment for the most part.

There are a few occasions when his emotions flare, primarily anger against those misusing their power against the helpless, or annoyance at himself for not seeing something that he should have. Fan fiction writers have had a lot of fun figuring out the reasons behind Holmes' lack of interest in sex (see "The Seven per Cent Solution") but there's no evidence that Doyle himself went that deep.

If a reader wants to see him as gay, hey, a reader can see him however they want. But to say it's stated as much in the original stories is incorrect.

[Hullababy]

It's not stated in the original stories at all. In fact, it's stated several times by Watson that Holmes is asexual and tended to view human beings with cool detachment for the most part.

.

This is true. Holmes is more asexual than homosexual. Did he ever express any objection to Watson getting married ? No.

[Major Comma]

I always thought of him as asexual.
Glad I got it right.

[Vidocq]

So, the movie is finally coming in seven days, so I'm bumping this thread.

What are your expectations for this movie?

I was honestly excited about this movie after I first heard about it. Robert Downey Jr has been my favorite actor since I was a kid and even if he didn't look like Holmes and I wasn't convinced he would have a good chemistry with Jude Law. But my expectations took a 180 turn when I saw the first Trailer, the lack of Hygene thing and The way Irene Adler looked like she was going to be where just disappointing. But I thought it's just a Trailer and I didn't like Heath Ledger for the Joker and look how that turn out, but with every new sneak peek and then with the script I was more and more pessimistic. I still thought that Downey Jr could make a great Holmes but thought that the movie itself was going to bring his performance down. But those new clips have make me excited about this again, It looks like I was wrong about everything I was worried about, Irene Adler's and Jude Law's Chemistry all seemed to be just about right. Now I'm excited again.

Some clips have surfaced, they aren't that Spoilerific
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-56ZO9tHeWI&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTasc2dnYWc&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTasc2dnYWc&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_O4OxYqAFc&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOAz57q2zlQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xllRCJuFRpQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv_aMSi9cKg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvZscaizAw&feature=related

[passer-by]

So, the movie is finally coming in seven days, so I'm bumping this thread.

What are your expectations for this movie?

That it's going to be Ultimate Sherlock Holmes.

Nothing wrong with it for those who'd like it. I don't. I have fond memories of Conan Doyle's books and I'd rather be a traditionalist when Sherlock Holmes is concerned.

(But I do like Ultimate Marvel Universe.)

The trailer looked a bit like a Bond movie. Not the way I see Conan Doyle's character.

Not even sure I'll watch it.

[Jared]

I've never cared about Sherlock Holmes before, but I'm looking forward to this.

[DetectiveDupin]

This movie looks amazing!!! I cant wait to see it!!!

[Dennis K]

Cathy and I are going to see this Christmas night.

[Infernorhythm]

I'm a Sherlock Holmes fan, but I'm not fundamental about what it's supposed to be like. This looks like a very fresh and very interesting take on a character that, quite frankly, has become a caricature of himself. There's no deerstalker caps, no fat, idiotic Watson, and they even brought in Holmes' martial prowess. Nice!

My only worry is the screenwriters. I don't really know what else they've done, so I have no indication of what the film will be like. I am a huge Guy Ritchie fan, and his style (especially in his comeback film Rocknrolla) is great, so I have faith that this will be a cool film. Still, it is his first film that he didn't write, so that's the only reason I'm apprehensive. Robert Downey Jr. looks awesome as Holmes, and Law's chemistry with him seems perfect. Add in Mark Strong as the bad guy (he really, really rocks!) and I'm excited.

[Vidocq]

I'm a Sherlock Holmes fan, but I'm not fundamental about what it's supposed to be like. This looks like a very fresh and very interesting take on a character that, quite frankly, has become a caricature of himself. There's no deerstalker caps, no fat, idiotic Watson, and they even brought in Holmes' martial prowess. Nice!

My only worry is the screenwriters. I don't really know what else they've done, so I have no indication of what the film will be like. I am a huge Guy Ritchie fan, and his style (especially in his comeback film Rocknrolla) is great, so I have faith that this will be a cool film. Still, it is his first film that he didn't write, so that's the only reason I'm apprehensive. Robert Downey Jr. looks awesome as Holmes, and Law's chemistry with him seems perfect. Add in Mark Strong as the bad guy (he really, really rocks!) and I'm excited.



The screenwritter wrote a so far unpublished Graphic novel and based the script (Which I read and it sucks) BUT thankfully Guy said in an iterview to CNN en Español that he changed 71% of the script and him and the cast changed A LOT of scenes. It helped that Guy Ritchie grew up with the stories, they had the writter of The Annoted Sherlock Holmes as a consultant and both Robert Downey and Jude Law read all the books and added a lot of their favorite lines from the canon whilke filming.

Too give you an idea here is an illustration by John Watkiss from that OGN

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Sherlock_Holmes_Watkiss_001.jpg

Remember that scene from the canon where Holmes fought people with Nunchunks? It was my favorte Too!!!

[Infernorhythm]

To be fair, that's no canon, but on some fantasy level, insanely cool.

But in all seriousness, hearing that Ritchie (who really is a great screenwriter), and the actors tweaked the script quite a bit has me very relieved. This is definitely the film I've been looking forward to the most in months.

[EZMOHR]

Not gonna lie...I've read a lot of Holmes stuff, but I'm not invested in it. My wife wants to see this movie bad, but I would rather see Avatar. I think I will probablly have to settle, and see this. I hope it is alright.

[passer-by]

Try and see Avatar anyway, in 3D if possible. That's the best cinema-going experience I've had since Star Wars in 1977.

[Infernorhythm]

Wow, that was awesome! I've been a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's novels for a while, but never a big fan of the adaptations, as they usually change things far to much. Believe me when I say that this is the most accurate adaptation of Sherlock Holmes from print to screen.

Guy Ritchie rocks. He energized the series, but at the same time, these were the men of action that Doyle wrote about. Jude Law's Watson came across perfectly as the ex-soldier turned detective. He was smart and a perfect partner to Downey's Holmes, not the fat, bumbling oaf of the Basil Rathbone films. RDJ's Holmes was great (aside from no cocaine use, he was almost exactly the Holmes of the books), and the baritsu was cool. Mark Strong is a great bad guy, and the reveal of Irene Adler's boss was great. I was a bit worried about the possibility of the supernatural, but the film handles that aspect perfectly.

Oh, and there are wonderful references to Holmes canon and events. Mycroft, A Scandal in Bohemia, even Watson's journals. Great stuff. I highly recommend this!

Now, let's get Ritchie to make his Rocknrolla sequel.

[sherlockbones]

Wow, that was awesome! I've been a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's novels for a while, but never a big fan of the adaptations, as they usually change things far to much. Believe me when I say that this is the most accurate adaptation of Sherlock Holmes from print to screen.

Guy Ritchie rocks. He energized the series, but at the same time, these were the men of action that Doyle wrote about. Jude Law's Watson came across perfectly as the ex-soldier turned detective. He was smart and a perfect partner to Downey's Holmes, not the fat, bumbling oaf of the Basil Rathbone films. RDJ's Holmes was great (aside from no cocaine use, he was almost exactly the Holmes of the books), and the baritsu was cool. Mark Strong is a great bad guy, and the reveal of Irene Adler's boss was great. I was a bit worried about the possibility of the supernatural, but the film handles that aspect perfectly.

Oh, and there are wonderful references to Holmes canon and events. Mycroft, A Scandal in Bohemia, even Watson's journals. Great stuff. I highly recommend this!

Now, let's get Ritchie to make his Rocknrolla sequel.


plz tell me you arn´t serious. i haven ´t seen it, but i know i´ll enjoy ultimate tony holmes. i expect a mix of league of the extraordinary gentlemen with from hell. and that´s not a bad thing.

but naming it the most accurate adaptation, well even from the trailer i can tell that this can´t be true

[Infernorhythm]

plz tell me you arn´t serious. i haven ´t seen it, but i know i´ll enjoy ultimate tony holmes. i expect a mix of league of the extraordinary gentlemen with from hell. and that´s not a bad thing.

but naming it the most accurate adaptation, well even from the trailer i can tell that this can´t be true

I am serious. The trailer plays up the humor and almost makes it look slapstick, but trust me, the film is not. It has some good laughs, but it's a good mystery and adventure. It's miles above League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Don't judge the film by the trailer. This film captures Holmes and Watson perfectly, and with an understanding of Irene Adler, references to Mycroft Holmes, etc, it's really good.

[West Mantooth]

Inferno is right, it's not slapstick. It's just a solid buddy chemistry. Even when being normal, Sherlock can't turn off that detective brain and humor comes from that. There are only a few "modern" humorous moments.

9/10 LOVE IT!

[Tien Long]

I can't say that I am a Sherlock Holmes purist. I only ever read "Hound of the Baskervilles" and that was many, many years ago. But I have to say, I truly loved this movie. Being a huge 19th century/Victorian Era/Wild West fan, I definitely liked the setting. The martial arts and action, which has been the most blatan aspect of the trailer, were terrific. Loved seeing Holmes and Watson kicking ass, and indeed, it wouldn't be a Guy Ritchie film w/o a little bit of bare knuckle boxing :biggrin:.

However, the film still worked on many other levels as well. As a mystery/detective movie, I thought it was very well done. Though Holmes seems very aloof and bohemian in the trailers, he has a very sharp and analytical mind which is demonstrated quite often. Furthermore, I think the movie's explanation of the mystery was thorough, yet easy to follow. Most of the time, my head is spinning after seeing really dense mystery movies, but the Holmes' conclusion was pretty clear.

FInally, I thought that the character relations were excellent. While I appreciated all of the actors' portrayals, I found Kelly Reilly's character, Watson's bride to be, to be the hidden gem of the movie. Though her scenes were brief, Reilly always made a strong impression.

Anyway, feel that this was a great film. Highly recommend others to see it as well!

[Teh m0nk3y]

I went into this movie with a low expectation of anything genuinely "Sherlock Holmes" because of the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised how the movie itself was quite the opposite and enjoyed it immensely

I must also confess to not being a purist, but one can't deny that the previous movie adaptations also took liberties in interpretations.

[the goddamn batman]

I thought it was great!! Downey was, as always, awesome. Law, who I fucking hate, was totally good. I didn't hate him at all. He and Downey played perfectly off each other.

And, at one point I got worried about what kind of Holmes story we were being given, all was right at the end. This really blew away my expectations of it. The trailer is a pretty poor representation of the actual film.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

This movie was way better than I had expected. It took some liberties, but a lot less than I thought. I pretty much expected another LoEG and I was pleasantly surprised.


And yeah, the trailers did this movie no justice at all.

[Ronald Bryan]

The only full Sherlock Holmes story I have read has a man attepting to intimidate Sherlock by bending a fireplace poker to show his strength. After the man leaves, Sherlock bends it back straight, which is Doyle's way of showing Holmes was just as strong, as the straightening requires greater force. That is the Holmes of this movie.

The hand to hand fighting in the movie serves more to show Holmes' analytical mind than to be fights. And he notices every little detail to figure out the end game of each character. The movie is fun, and the characters are fun to watch.

[IronStarks]

And yeah, the trailers did this movie no justice at all.

Cant agree more, I had no interest in this film after seeing the trailer and I was dragged by my friends. Well im glad they did because I enjoyed the movie overall. Robert Downy Jr is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors.

[TheRookie311]

in my heart, I just CANNOT accept Downey as Holmes...

Really, Downey is one of the best actors of the time. I know, Opinion. But I saw the movie last night, thought he fit the bill perfectly.

Great movie.

[Libaax]

Downey is the last actor to play Holmes....

But who cares in this film, its an action,adventure with the detectives name.

I like Downey but i wont pay for this kind of film. Its a worse idea than a bad remake.

An actual Holmes film i would see easily.

[the goddamn batman]

Try seeing the movie before you dismiss it. This is pretty dead on as far as the books are concerned. It nails just about every aspect of the character as he was intended. This IS an actual Holmes film.

But you wouldn't know that since you, ya know, haven't seen it. Trolling the thread is dumb. Stop it.

[Vidocq]

Really, Downey is one of the best actors of the time. I know, Opinion. But I saw the movie last night, thought he fit the bill perfectly.

Great movie.
It's really not about acting is about appeareance. Holmes was over six feet tall and looked like this (That's Watson in the back BTW)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Paget_holmes.png
http://www.sherlockholmesonline.co.uk/USERIMAGES/red%20(2).jpg

He was also clean shaven. Also remember how there are a lot of people who wont accept anyone but Heath Ledger as the Joker? Well is the same with Holmes but with alot of different actors but mostly with Jeremy Brett.

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pHhakyIEktCkXHZoZLh0PZ3D4uPsPNwC7gkaBhRIdnUPFsHS nzrsxC0chUbTMB9Fbbwk5WQi5Llk

Deservingly so since he was mindblowing as Holmes. But I can accept Robert Downey as Holmes, Robert Downey has been my favorite actor since he did Chaplin made quite an impression on me even though I was just a little boy and was glad to see him back. Still haven't been able to see the Movie though! Not until sometime in freaking January!:mad:

[Vidocq]

Downey is the last actor to play Holmes....

But who cares in this film, its an action,adventure with the detectives name.

I like Downey but i wont pay for this kind of film. Its a worse idea than a bad remake.

An actual Holmes film i would see easily.

You should see it anyway. I know some Hardcore Holmesians who loved it. Not as food as Jeremy Brett, Basil Rathbone Peter Crushing etc. But still very good.
Besides it can't be worse than a Case of Evil.:tongue:

[Legato]

The movie was ok. I dont consider Downey to be the best actor to play Holmes but I did find his take interesting to say the least. I find Moriarty the best thing that happened from that movie IMO despite the brief appearances he had

[Jared]

Prior to this, about the closest thing to a Holmes stories I ever sat through were the two Moriarty episodes of Star Trek The Next Generation.

I really enjoyed it. It was like Batman, House, and Monk all wrapped up in a Victorian package.

[Tobias March]

I enjoyed the film. Good fun, some limited banter, but entertaining all the same.

Plus I love a fight scene conducted in French.

[Jmacq1]

Point of Fact - Most of the popular images of Holmes are not drawn from the original stories, but instead riffs on Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Holmes. Even illustrations "in the books" have been added after the fact to more closely resemble Rathbone.

But for a good overview of how "accurate to the stories" this movie is, see here (http://chud.com/articles/articles/21965/1/THE-DEVIN039S-ADVOCATE-THE-HOLMES-HATERS/Page1.html).

Basically, it does take things to a somewhat more "cinematic" level with the action sequences, but otherwise hews pretty close to the original source material (albeit not any specific story from it).

Anyway, I saw it yesterday morning and quite liked it. Didn't completely blow me away, but was well worth seeing. I'd probably check out a sequel.

[Vidocq]

Point of Fact - Most of the popular images of Holmes are not drawn from the original stories, but instead riffs on Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Holmes. Even illustrations "in the books" have been added after the fact to more closely resemble Rathbone.


That's not really accurate. Basil Rathbone got most of his riffs from the illustrations of Sidney Paget who created Holmes basic look (based that on his brother) and they were aproved by Arthur Conan Doyle himself, he even requested for him to stick around and he did, So the illustrations are considered canon or atleast more canononical than other illustrations would. Paget even gave Holmes that signature overcoat and deerstalker look, but he only had Holmes wearing it in the country (Where it would be acceptable for someone to wear that) and it's generally accepted by Holmesians that Holmes did sport that look while working in the country.

The first Rathbone movie was the Hound of the Baskervilles which is set in the country and it would have been accurate to portray him wearing that. However for the sequel someone thought that it would be better for Holmes to have a signature look so that those who couldn't read English (which with the immigration were a considerable part of the population) would be able to recognize him by the poster and not the words.

When the trailer first came up it remind me of this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xJq1f_8bw4) glad to see I was apparently mistaken. I haven't seen it yet... Not until freaking January but I have high hopes now.

[Your Imaginary Pal]

It was a fun movie and a quality mystery. It's pretty much what I expected of a Guy Ritchie Holmes movie, raw, gritty and visceral. Great pacing and well executed action. And for as gritty as it was it was still a beautiful film.
Exciting smart and appropriately funny at times.

Fans of Amadeus Cho will like the calculations Holmes uses in his fights. Very coolthe way they made it work.

4 out of 5 fingers on my high five scale.
A scale I just created.

[Libaax]

Try seeing the movie before you dismiss it. This is pretty dead on as far as the books are concerned. It nails just about every aspect of the character as he was intended. This IS an actual Holmes film.

But you wouldn't know that since you, ya know, haven't seen it. Trolling the thread is dumb. Stop it.

Sure it is. There are trailers for a reason. There are people who have seen and what they say. If i dont love the idea of something,dont like what i have seen of it i must be trolling....

I dont watch anything that is on the cinema just because they are new and have a popular actor....

[Teh m0nk3y]

Sure it is. There are trailers for a reason. There are people who have seen and what they say. If i dont love the idea of something,dont like what i have seen of it i must be trolling....

I dont watch anything that is on the cinema just because they are new and have a popular actor....

Though the movie is actually a quality Holmes movie. Yes they've taken the action scenes to a cinematic level, but that's actually quite tame.
Previous movie interpretations were also taking liberties with the character. To judge the movie unfairly is your right. It's just not as "bad" as you think it is.

[Slam_Bradley]

Sure it is. There are trailers for a reason. There are people who have seen and what they say. If i dont love the idea of something,dont like what i have seen of it i must be trolling....

I dont watch anything that is on the cinema just because they are new and have a popular actor....


It's not a matter of you trolling. It's simply that your opinion has no validity if you haven't seen the film.

[Libaax]

Though the movie is actually a quality Holmes movie. Yes they've taken the action scenes to a cinematic level, but that's actually quite tame.
Previous movie interpretations were also taking liberties with the character. To judge the movie unfairly is your right. It's just not as "bad" as you think it is.

Well i didnt say it was bad. I said i have no interest in a Holmes film with action scenes,sex,fun Holmes.


Its like i dont read pastiches of Star Wars when i can watch the original.

I prefer the tame,smart tv shows with Holmes than this kind of film.

[Traveler the 1st]

Well i didnt say it was bad. I said i have no interest in a Holmes film with action scenes,sex,fun Holmes.


Its like i dont read pastiches of Star Wars when i can watch the original.

I prefer the tame,smart tv shows with Holmes than this kind of film.
There was action in the original Holmes stories, this Holmes is, by no means, fun to be around, and there's no sex at all.

In any case, my kneejerk responses aside, I loved this movie. Thought it portrayed both Holmes and Watson quite well. Had a minor nitpick over one small part involving Mary, but that's all, honestly.

[Vidocq]

Found this at a Holmesian forum, a jab on that lack of hygene thing.

http://www.mediamuffin.com/comics/comics/2009-05-26-Sherlock%20Who%20copy.jpg

http://www.mediamuffin.com/comics/?p=719

[the goddamn batman]

Sure it is. There are trailers for a reason. There are people who have seen and what they say. If i dont love the idea of something,dont like what i have seen of it i must be trolling....

I dont watch anything that is on the cinema just because they are new and have a popular actor....


You haven't seen it. You know nothing more than the missleading trailers have show you. Trailers for The Road made it look like an action movie, when it was anything but. Trailers are often missleading intentionally. Sadly.

Point is, as Slam said, you haven't actually seen the movie, so your post about it's content ant quality has absolutley no validity. It might not technically be trolling, but it's about as worthwhile.

[Vidocq]

In case anybody out there is interested in picking up the books after watching this movie ,there is a thread on Holmesian.net where some Sherlock Holmes fans (AKA Holmesians or Sherlockians) give recomendations on where to start. (http://www.holmesian.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2399) Feel free to ask whatever question you may have.

[jessecuster3]

I LOVED it. I thought it was really great.

[Hoss]

Really enjoyed it - though it did feel a bit as if the plot and twists were just an afterthought. And that is really confusing since plots, twists and turns are a Richie specialty.

I think it was the faked supernatural element to the mystery that made it a bit off for more. It was just sort of a reveal of a bunch of parlor tricks - more of a Houdini story in a way (or a Scooby Doo episode). Is debunking the seemingly supernatural a Holmes staple?

An aside, did anyone else get an autistic feeling to Holmes? Between his trouble with social relationships, dependency on Watson, and the scene in the restaurant with his sensory input being overwhelmed, it reminded me of high functioning autism or Asperger's.

[Ragnorok64]

I gotta say I really enjoyed this film. What really saves this film for me is that I have never read a single Holmes book in my life so the fact that they made him rather Batmany in his fighting abilities didn't bother me as much as it probably should have.

I was entertained through and through and I can't pinpoint any glaring weaknesses or shortcomings.

[Vidocq]

I think it was the faked supernatural element to the mystery that made it a bit off for more. It was just sort of a reveal of a bunch of parlor tricks - more of a Houdini story in a way (or a Scooby Doo episode). Is debunking the seemingly supernatural a Holmes staple?
Yes it is, everytime a supernatural explanation is presented in an original Holmes story, is usually hand waved by Holmes and Watson as pure nonsense and is later debunked. Like in the Hound of The Baskervilles and The Sussex Vampire, (although in this cases his objective wasn't debunking the supernatural but rather looking for the truth and save lives in the process). I still haven't seen the movie (Not until a couple of days :mad: ) and pretty much knew already that Blackwood would use cheap parlor trick to rise from the grave since I saw the trailer.

Did anyone else get an autistic feeling to Holmes? Between his trouble with social relationships, dependency on Watson, and the scene in the restaurant with his sensory input being overwhelmed, it reminded me of high functioning autism or Asperger's.

That's one of the interpretations of why Holmes is how he is. Others have proposed Bipolar disorder and even ADD. I personally don't like to diagnose Holmes, since I think that most diagnosis fit better for Holmes of most Adaptations and not for Holmes of the Books, who was more multifacetic.

[Wolf-Man]

I saw it last night and thought it was great. The only issue I had was some of the fast talking with heavy accents were a bit hard to understand. But great. Looking forward to number 2. Interested to see who they cast as Moriarty.

Hopefully it'll be the butler from The Nanny.

[KiFF86]

Two things bothered me from this movie, which I really enjoyed. The ending was a big rip from Batman Begins and the music was sooooo much like the theme from Dexter that it would take me out of the movie every now and then.

[TonyStark1012]

I saw the movie opening night and enjoyed every moment of it.I think if your a fan of the character(like me)or you just want to see a badass movie should really go see this.I don't think you'll be dissapointed.:cool:

[Vidocq]

I saw it last night and thought it was great. The only issue I had was some of the fast talking with heavy accents were a bit hard to understand. But great. Looking forward to number 2. Interested to see who they cast as Moriarty.

Hopefully it'll be the butler from The Nanny.

A Very strong Rumor has it that it's going to be Brad Pitt. As a matter of fact, the rumor is so strong that the only reason why I'm calling it a rumor is because I'm kinda hoping they change it.

[Infernorhythm]

A Very strong Rumor has it that it's going to be Brad Pitt. As a matter of fact, the rumor is so strong that the only reason why I'm calling it a rumor is because I'm kinda hoping they change it.

I'd rather see Pitt play a Pikey henchman of Moriarty. You know, make the Sherlock Holmes films a prequel to Snatch. Because that would be awesome!

[Midnightblue]

Really good film. One of the best of this year for me.

[Tien Long]

Two things bothered me from this movie, which I really enjoyed. The ending was a big rip from Batman Begins and the music was sooooo much like the theme from Dexter that it would take me out of the movie every now and then.

One of the aspects of the film which I liked was certainly the music, and particularly the Irish influences. Indeed, during the bare knuckle brawl, the Irish folk song "Rocky Road to Dublin" is playing in the background. I think it fits the violent, yet good natured spirit and time of the scene. Furthermore, it's played during the ending credits.

Here's a bit of the scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7hGkRmp_bc

And here's the song itself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBKgOyMzSc

[Cyke]

One thing that I do appreciate: this wasn't a story about how a younger Holmes and Watson first teamed up. I'm getting a little tired of origin stories these days, so it's good to see that right off the bat, Holmes and Watson are already neck-deep into their famous partnership and that the legends are already strewn in. Even Lestrade is already a well-established figure in their lives, and Watson's personal history is well-backed up by the material here -- he's a fighter and is truly a great analytical help to Holmes. I love that he can talk down to the police just as well as Holmes can.

But yes, to those who are dismissing the film as some sort of ill-conceived attempt at modernization can bugger off. The fine details to each mystery, as well as Holmes' near-caustic and inhuman observations are still there. Wonderful, simply wonderful!

[limerick]

I wanted to see Avatar but it was sold out.....Went to this instead..Best movie I've seen for ages.....Roll on Iron Man 2!!

[Treqqor]

Hopefully it'll be the butler from The Nanny.

Best casting idea EVER!

(Waitaminute...that just got me thinking, there was a nanny AND a butler?)

He's the Moriarty I have in my mind's eye when I read the stories.

[Tobias March]

Hopefully it'll be the butler from The Nanny.

Heh. Nicely done.

[Cyke]

I wanted to see Avatar but it was sold out.....Went to this instead..Best movie I've seen for ages.....Roll on Iron Man 2!!

This is just me, but I preferred Sherlock Holmes to Avatar.

[Angelo2113]

I thought this was a great movie. My sister took me to see it Christmas night and it was a great story. I watch a lot of Law and Order and tried to put the pieces together, but at the end I was pretty much wrong on all of them. And I like how Holmes knew everything, but waited until the end to piece it all together. And Robert Downey Jr was amazing as Sherlock Holmes. The accent was kind of strong, but I think he was the best actor to play Holmes. And Jude Law was great as Watson. I'm happy the friendship played well into the movie. Looking forward to a second one!

[AdamYJ]

I just saw this yesterday and thought it was great. Very fun. Great interplay between Holmes and Watson. The mystery was well-done and I liked how they uncovered the way the villian faked his supernatural feats. I also liked that they depicted Holmes and Watson as men of action. It often happens with popular characters that certain aspects of them fall into such disuse that people forget about them entirely. It happens in comic books all the time, as it does with literary characters in this case. According to Watson, Holmes was a master at singlestick (a form of stick-fighting), swordsmanship and boxing. He also reportedly used a martial art called baritsu to best Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. The man was no slouch when action was called for. The expanded role of Irene Adler seemed odd at first glance, but upon thinking about it, I realize it's not the first time this sort of thing happened with Holmes. After all, Moriarty started out as the greatest literary villian to never actually appear or do anything "on-screen" and people have been expanding his role ever since.