Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The critic finds the film erratic but hugely enjoyable, praising its affectionate take on Holmes and Victorian London. They single out the Downey Jr–Law double act and the film’s vivid atmosphere, while noting that the script feels baggy.

Phipps finds the film a highly entertaining, propulsive blockbuster that makes a distinctive and convincing Holmes of Robert Downey Jr. He especially praises Downey’s twitchy performance and the sequences that slow down to show Holmes plotting.

Ebert finds the film an entertaining, energetic take on Sherlock Holmes. He particularly praises the chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

Thomas finds the film an entertaining, promising reintroduction, though it works better as a setup than as a satisfying standalone story. He especially praises the lively Holmes–Watson partnership, while noting that the plot can feel simplistic and plodding.

The page identifies this as a review of the 2009 film, but the review text is behind a paywall. The critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint are unavailable.

The review sees the modernization as welcome but finds the film’s relentless action often overwhelms its likable characters. It praises the gritty, immersive Victorian London while wishing for more of Holmes and Watson’s comic interplay.

The review frames this take on Sherlock Holmes as a tension between Guy Ritchie's directing and screenwriting. Its standfirst suggests that the divide may undermine the film, though the available text is truncated.

Mueller finds the film’s brio infectious, though its action sometimes overwhelms the detective work. He praises Downey Jr.’s lively take on Holmes and the film’s production design, while calling the Tower Bridge climax a letdown.

Turan finds the film solid but not spectacular, ultimately weighed down by trying to serve too many purposes. He praises Downey Jr.’s energetic performance and Ritchie’s brisk style, while criticizing the generic action sequences and miscast Rachel McAdams.

Honeycutt finds the film a noisy, overstuffed reinvention that sacrifices suspense and character for fast-paced action. He praises the grimy London setting and polished cinematography, while noting that McAdams and Reilly bring spark to thinly written roles.

Shoard finds the film muddled, dull and lacking confidence, dismissing it as high-end hack work. She singles out the Holmes–Watson bromance as a hollow modernization that quickly grows dull.

The critic enjoys the film and considers the DVD a good opportunity to revisit it, though the DVD extras are limited. They praise the engaging pairing of Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, as well as the film’s score and production detail.

Carty finds Ritchie’s contemporary, action-led take better than expected, though not quite what devoted Holmes fans want. He praises the Holmes–Watson dynamic and the production, while noting that the mystery is weak.

Brew finds the film uneven, with a weak first half and showy direction, but ultimately an enjoyable watch. He singles out Robert Downey Jr.’s charm and performance as the film’s strongest asset.