Laura’s Rating: 1/5 Stars
I think there’s a good chance this movie makes it onto my worst movies watched in 2021 list. Nothing about it worked for me and I had little motivation to even watch it through to the end.
The Analysis:
Sherlock Holmes was disappointing in many ways. The movie tried to be stylized in a way that still felt dull due to the muted and grimy colors of London in the late 1800s. It lacked the charm of a Dickensian style but was not funky enough to achieve a steampunk aesthetic. The film barely introduces the main characters before they are breaking up their business partnership, resulting in the viewer having no familiarity with their work or relationship and thus, feeling nothing in regards to their separation. The plot felt more like a loose structure rather than a carefully crafted story and despite the main villain dabbling in black magic and the occult, he failed to be a compelling character. Rachel McAdams also makes an appearance as an American criminal who shares a romantic past with Sherlock Holmes. While her acting is fine, her character feels out of place in the movie.
While I usually enjoy Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, their performances fell flat as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. It seemed like the writers wanted to make Holmes quirky like a Hercule Poirot type, yet edgy like maybe a Captain Jack Sparrow character. It didn’t strike the right balance for me, especially because classic Sherlock Holmes is neat, detail oriented, and logical. The character was reinvented in a way that I did not enjoy, not to mention Downey’s atrocious and inconsistent British accent adding to the offenses. Jude Law’s character of Dr. Watson seemed uptight and grumpy at best, reluctant to participate at every stage of the film. Watson’s hostile attitude towards Holmes made me wonder why they teamed up in the first place. There was absolutely zero chemistry between the partners and their friendship was neither believable or enjoyable.
I really have few good things to say about the film. A few fight scenes are mildly entertaining and the occult centered magic is interesting, although it doesn’t really fit the feel of the film. I would not suggest this movie to anyone and it’s unlikely I will watch the sequel or potential third film in the series that is in the works.
Comments