Sherlock Holmes is just another great venue and vehicle showcasing the amazing talent of Robert Downey Jr. Would someone just give this guy a best actor award please ! Maybe make a category just for him. I'm not saying this is his best work, but what is always alluring about Robert Downey Jr., is he is going to give you all he has , every time, no matter the character or the movie.  He can make a poor movie watchable, a mediocre movie good, and a good movie great.  He is supported by another great artist, Jude Law as Sherlock Holmes' trusted companion and colleague.

 To be sure this is not the Sherlock Holmes story or characters as portrayed by Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce of the ;ate 30's and early 40's.  Ours are younger, a lot more cocky.  Robert Downey Jr. Is especially fast with his one liners and comebacks, so you have to really pay attention to get all the dialog.  Without getting into comparisons Jude Law's Watson  does in fact complement Holmes as Nigel Bruce did in the Holmes movie series. 

From here we update the story lines, some of the background information and with the aid of modern computer graphics, and a blockbuster budget the producers are able to bring the story to life in a way that the old studio system just couldn't. 

The plot line at first look like there is some very strange religious rites and super natural power at work.  What is amazing is how Holmes puts together the truth and explains all.  Then again Downey is so hot right now he could be throwing paint onto a canvas in a movie by himself,  the movie would make money and the audience would oh and ah as if Picasso or Jackson Pollock were doing the work just for them. 

There are some shortcomings, like the story itself, the direction by Guy Ritchie and the Villains part  Blackwood, played by Mark Strong is just not all that memorable. My hope is that if there is a sequel with the introduction of a more sinister villain like Professor Moriarty that they have a better plot line, script, and direction.  They have the right Holmes and Watson.  It is, what it is , entertainment for the holiday's.