Chet Chutney (shiftyeyeddog)

I've never read Holmes. If I've seen any films, I don't remember them. So I came into this with no expectations or baggage. I was open to a new interpretation of the previously stuffy character. I knew he was more physical in this version. What I wasn't expecting was for Downey to portray him here as Shawn Spencer from TV's "Psych" in the Victorian era. Actually, most of the movie felt like Psych - his methods, his personality, his relationship with his partner, his interactions with the police... Not that any of that's a bad thing. I just never pictured Holmes like that. But where the movie falls short is the story, led by a weak villain (seriously, couldn't they find a better actor than this Stanley Tucci wannabe?), and a female lead role that seems forced and shoehorned-in for the sole purpose of, well, having a female lead. A good amount of iffy 1990's-level CG scenery and effects doesn't help.

Downey's performance once again elevates an otherwise average film, but even spotting it an extra half star for him, it's still a bit disappointing.

I usually enjoy modern musicals, I loved Kidman in Moulin Rouge, and the idea of Daniel Day-Lewis in a musical intrigued me. Unfortunately, I knew nothing about the source material. ...I should have done my homework. Before the film hit the halfway mark, I walked out. The story wasn't interesting me, the songs weren't impressing me, and the whole thing just bored me.