Five young women have been murdered (rather, sacrificed), and Scotland Yard has reason to believe a sixth will soon join the list. But for what purpose? And who’s behind these demonic crimes? More importantly, who has the astonishing deductive reasoning, wonderfully quick wit, and straight-up awesome ninja skills to defeat this occult-minded culprit? Why, it’s elementary, my dear Watson…
Negative Elements: The biggest issue people may have with this mind-boggling film is the plot’s revolution around the occult. But as one might expect, all seemingly magical occurrences are proven by the film’s protagonist to be nothing but clever science and manipulation. The movie is overflowing with realistic violence, from characters being shocked repeatedly with a makeshift cattle prod to being beaten with multiple nightsticks at once. Twice does the movie show short bouts in slow-motion as Holmes mentally walks through each methodical step of the encounter, then shows it again in real-time as he carries out his battle plan. A girl’s bare back is seen for a moment, and many of the women’s clothes show cleavage.
Positive Elements: Holmes and Watson are as close as brothers, constantly saving each others’ lives, as well as helping one another when they need it. *Spoiler Alert* While Watson’s upcoming marriage causes tension between he and his partner, Holmes eventually learns to respect Watson’s choice to finally move out.
Conclusion: I can’t say many of the things I want to without giving away a great deal of this remarkable film’s intriguing plot, so I’ll just finish up by saying Sherlock Holmes has some of everything: drama, romance, thrilling action, and an engaging mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. This movie is a wonderful time for anyone old enough to understand it.