OK for kids 14+
Gritty, action-packed take on famous sleuth's adventures.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that director Guy Ritchie's take on the Sherlock Holmes legend -- which stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams -- presents an earthier, brawnier, and glossier version of the famous literary/cinematic detective than most of us are used to ... which is exactly why teens will love it. Gritty, late-1800s London is the movie's backdrop, and there's no shortage of action -- from brutal, slo-mo fistfight scenes (most with blood and broken bones) to gunplay and big explosions. There are also some fairly gory crime scenes (including shots of dead bodies, one with a few wriggling maggots), a brief scene of a naked (aside from a strategically placed pillow) Holmes handcuffed to a bed, references to the dark rituals of occult secret societies, smoking, and drinking. But there's no swearing to speak of, and the movie ultimately celebrates Holmes and Watson's close friendship.
- Families can talk about how this movie's take on Sherlock Holmes compares to previous ones. Why do you think the filmmakers decided to up the action and violence? How does that change the impact and appeal of the story?
- How does Holmes arrive at his conclusions? Can you really deduct that much information from simple (albeit thorough) observation? Can you think of characters in current TV shows or movies who perform similar deductions?
- What makes a good and lasting friendship? Are Holmes and Watson on an even level, or is Watson simply an assistant to Holmes?
The good stuff
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Messages: There are some power-hungry, murderous villains on the loose in London, and the city itself is presented as a fairly brutal, gritty environment. But the film also celebrates Holmes' eccentric genius and his close friendship with Watson. Though he's a cantankerous soul, Holmes clearly values his friend and even tries to save a former paramour despite the fact that she once double-crossed him.
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Role models: They trade barbs and are feisty with each other, but Holmes and Watson always fight for the good -- and for each other. That said, they're so intent on capturing villains that they sometimes sacrifice their personal lives. Irene is a strong, capable female character, but she's also manipulative and self-serving.
What to watch for
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Violence: Frequent violence, including gunplay, bloody fistfights (some in slow-motion, detailing each painful blow in wince-inducing fashion), and a few big explosions. Guns, knives, a rudimentary Taser, and poison are used in various face-offs; corpses are displayed (in dirt with maggots visible, singed to a crisp after being engulfed in flames, dead in bathtub water). Men are shown hanging from a noose; a woman nearly stabs herself. Animal carcasses are shown hanging and sawed in half; a frog is shown in mid-dissection; dead rats are seen.
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Sex: A man is briefly shown naked and handcuffed to a bed, with only a pillow covering his private parts. He makes a suggestive sexual comment to the chamber maid. Some flirty banter between former lovers, and a few quick kisses exchanged between them. A woman undresses; her naked back is glimpsed.
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Language: Very little; extremely infrequent uses of words like "damn" and "hell."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Holmes sometimes drinks to excess (and he isn't always picky about what he drinks to get there); characters drink wine at a restaurant; Holmes smokes a pipe.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Five Word Review by destinyjazzhands
robert downey jr is HOTTT
3
Sherlock Who? by R0nin
It's true that a few lines of the dialog were quotes from the original Holmes stories... but these were actually somewhat jarring, as the rest of the movie was pretty much made up out of thin air. It's obvious that there was no real attempt to capture the essence of Sherlock Holmes, much less capture the flavor of Conan Doyle's writings.
This movie could've featured some other fictional protagonist, and aside from those few quotes I mentioned, nothing would've needed to change except for the names. Of course, then they couldn't draw upon the name Sherlock Holmes to rake in more money, could they?
Go see this movie if you're interested, just don't expect it to be a Sherlock Holmes movie. It isn't. You'll probably enjoy it just fine; the problem, however, is that this generation of moviegoers is likely to come away with a really distorted view of Sherlock Holmes-- and given how great a literary character he is, that's a real shame.
4
Sooo worth ticket price by redyeah
This movie was funny, smart, exciting, sexy (for both genders) and really worth all the pre-hype. Robert Downey Jr. just can't miss these last couple years. As a bonus saw the Iron Man 2 trailer, looks exciting. Jude Law and Rachel Mcadams brought it as well. Way to go. Fun movie, watch it in theatres.
4
Come back kid... by ktloper
I'm impressed with Robert Downey, Jr and Jude Law in this film. Although I don't remember Holmes being portrayed as masculine and fit as Downey. Both actors have continued to choose the right role for themselves. I am also impressed with Rachel McAdams - have liked her from the start. I hope to see more adventures of Holmes and Watson.
4
Filled with action but easy to follow by alika82
I wasn't excited to see this movie, but my husband was interested. I went happy to look at Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law for a couple of hours, and surprisingly ended up really liking the movie! It was exciting and didn't lose my attention. The thing I liked best was the scenes where Sherlock thought through something, so anything that could have been confusing was easy to follow and appreciate. This movie is probably best watched on the big screen.
4
Sherlock Holmes Review by HillLucy12
Sherlock Holmes is a must see for any fan of a classic literature brought to live. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this non-stop, twistful thinking, action movie is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
4
Watson Second? by sahatch
While implausible at times, this movie was thoroughly entertaining. I especially liked the performances by RDJ and Jude Law. Their chemistry as Holmes and Watson definitely warrant the obvious set up for a sequel. The presentation of Holmes deductive genius as well as his crass and distracted manner was very fun to to watch. It was a refreshing take on the legendary sleuth. If for no other reason go see it for Jude Law's moustache.
4
Sherlock Holmes by becca2g
Jude Law and Robert Downing Jr. are as charming as ever and I immediately fell in love with both of them. The action was extraordinary and the plot mesmerizing. Pay attention though, and don't leave to refill your popcorn, or you will be left behind to try to catch up and figure out the sarcasm that flew while you were gone. A person has to be able to follow a complicated plot, so children under 12 would not enjoy anything but the action.
2
Would Not Pay to See it Again by Trekker12
Slow script. The movie dragged in several places. I found myself looking at my watch to see how much longer I'd have to sit through this. Interesting scenery and special effects.
5
Sherlock Holmes by SexyPilot28
Everything about the movie from the plot to actors, story was AMAZING. I went with my mother and boyfriend. We ALL loved it.
Both Robert Downey, Jr., and Jude Law were absolutely brilliant! I did not really care for Law until this picture actually.
Orlando, Fl