Holmes is back!

In case you've been hiding under a rock, or just don't care much about movies, there is a new Sherlock Holmes film out. We saw it Friday. It was awesome.

Holmes and Watson are two of the best known characters in literature. If everyone hasn't read the originals, at least they have heard of them and have some idea who they are. The characters appear in other works too, such as some of the best episodes of Star Trek TNG. Whenever you work with such famous characters, there are risks. People may not like your interpretation, or may not feel like the situation the characters are in is one that fits the original format. Some critics have played this card. While it's certainly true that the characters are not absolute perfect representations of the originals, and the situation is not one of the originals, I think these critics are grumpy old men who love to hate.

Although there were definitely some new - and fun - twists to the characters, they were the same people in essence. Their basic attributes were captured, and enhanced for the film medium. (Sidenote: ANY conversion from printed work to film is going to result in changes. If it doesn't, the film is terrible. Guarunteed. They are simply different mediums.) Some of this was thanks to good writing (providing opportunities for expression of character), some by good directing, but most of all the acting was superb. Robert Downey Jr. was made for the part, and Jude Law worked seamlessly with him. I cannot recall one moment, one line of dialog or expression, which took me out of the story.

The story honored the originals in much the same way. Not a duplication, but true to form and enhanced for film. The plot was engaging and detailed, if not completely unpredictable (if you know Holmes, anyway). It followed the formula of Holmes specifically and mysteries generally, and that is a good thing.

The cinematography and special effects of this film were also spectacular. They transport the viewer to the time and place without distracting.

There were definitely changes, primarily what I would call modernizations. The story is of course still set in 19th century London. Holmes' method of solving the mysteries is still logic / deduction based on small bits of evidence. But, among other things, the movie is certainly more physical than the originals (not that the originals are devoid of action).

I would absolutely recommend seeing this movie. The stunning visuals of 19th centure London make it worth seeing in theaters, although it's the story / characters / acting / directing that really make it worth seeing, so you won't miss out seeing it at home. Just see it.