First off, let me just say that I’m not a huge fan of Guy Ritchie. The former Mr. Ciccone has always seemed like an interesting visualist searching in vain for a project to match his style.
After seeing the new trailer for SHERLOCK HOLMES, I think he needs to search a little harder.
Check it out so we can discuss it:
I do like the BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID feel between Robert Downey Jr.’s Holmes and Jude Law’s Watson. In my mind, Holmes and Watson were not on the same playing field intellectually or socially, friends but not equals. Here they seem to be played like they are brothers, and I like the chemistry between the two men.
And also like the chemistry between Rachel McAdams and that costume.
But I must say that this trailer gives off a disturbing WILD WILD WEST vibe. You know that vibe … where a period piece is played modern. Hopefully Holmes will not find himself confronted by a giant mechanical spider at some point in this film.
I’m also not fond of what the trailer hints at about a supernatural plotline involving – yet again! – the end of the world. Sure, sometimes bad guys are going to try and destroy the world. But does every movie need to feature such monumental odds every time?? It becomes blase after a while.
I’m not that familiar with the Sherlock Holmes books – are supernatural plotlines a recurring feature of the books or the character? As I recall, YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES also featured a mystical/religious plotline as well. That might be a typical Sherlock Holmes adventure, but to me it feels like other films that have been made in recent times – like VAN HELSING, for example.
But without a doubt i DESPISE the slo-mo fighting scenes featured here. You’re instantly thinking of 300, WATCMEN, or THE MATRIX when you see them, and it completely detracts from the viewing experience. I HATE HATE HATE it!!!
What do you think?
10 Comments
Supernatural stuff is in the Sherlock Holmes novels, Hound of the Baskervilles was a bit of a riff on werewolves. Could be that they are just playing on that kind of thing.
Looks like it could be a bit of fun. But thats all!
Can’t wait for this one. Nothing really spectacular but surely an entertainment nonetheless.
The slo-mo from what I heard is supposed to be Holmes’ thought process on how to break his opponent down. His quick thinking is supposed to be heard during the slow motion.
I saw the trailer yesterday and although it’s true that it may be an excuse for Guy Ritchie to use all the commercial visual clichees in the book, my concern was a little bit more ” terre-a-terre”…
I am a huge fan of Downey, he is probably one of my favourit actors and watching the trailer, I could nt help but wonder whether this movie would be a ” Robert Downey Show” capitalisiing on the rekindled fame of the Actor, to the detriment of the story…on certain frames, Rob seemed on the verge of overacting and it left me with a feeling of unease…was that just me, the state of mind I was in at the time I viewed the trailer, or a reality…what do you think ?
I’m going to have to agree with you, Ray. So many explosions, tongue-in-cheek humor, and random shirtless fighting. Doesn’t seem like Sherlock Holmes to me. Still, I think it could be decent if not what I expected. And Rachel McAdams is sure looking nice in that outfit :D
I’ve been bitching about this trailer on other sites as well. Why is every idea turned into an action movie now? Couldn’t you see Sherlock Holmes (the movie) as more of a dark mystery. It would play well with a villian like Spacey from Se7en. Someone Downey Jr had to really hunt down and use investigative skills to catch, while really fucked up murders are happening. This does look like Wild Wild West now that you mention it…I wouldn’t be surprised to see kids meal toys for burger king in the near future.
The trailers a little boring. Where are the big moments? Where are the set pieces? Seriously — did I miss them?
@Ray — “yet again! – the end of the world.” — You’re right. This is a product of the suits going “there’s not enough at stake! It has to be bigger!” and here we go again…
He can solve a crime about one murder. Maybe it’s multiple murders? Maybe it’s the biggest mass murderer in London? No, maybe it’s the biggest mass murderer in THE WORLD. Wait. No. Mass murderers are hard to sympathize with. WE MUST be able to sympathize with our villain! (WTF?!) So it’s someone trying to TAKE OVER THE WORLD and enslave mankind, but they’re not insane insane, like Jack Nicholson in THE SHINING, no, they’re the FUN sort of insane, like, oh … think Danny Devito as the Penguin… or better, Jim Carrey as The Riddler! Yeah! That’s it…
…and it goes on and on and on.
What was with all the slow mo seemed unnecessary
This just seems like another cool take on an old franchise, which I’m all right with. Sherlock Holmes is a detective and most of his cases are mysteries, he and Watson solve. So if the movie follows that guide line I’m totally down.
I just don’t want it to be the Robert Downey show. His performances can just come off like, LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME, IM A REALLY GOOD ACTOR WHOS SELF ABSORBED. And for that matter GUY comes off like that too. Anyway I hope it’s good. It has potential.