Sherlock Holmes
"Nothing escapes him."
Holmes and Watson join forces to face a fresh threat that tests both intellect and nerve. The pair chase a shadowy foe who uses spectacle and cunning to influence public fear and national politics. They dash through foggy streets, crowded markets, and dim interiors, using quick deductions,... Read more
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About Sherlock Holmes
Holmes and Watson join forces to face a fresh threat that tests both intellect and nerve. The pair chase a shadowy foe who uses spectacle and cunning to influence public fear and national politics. They dash through foggy streets, crowded markets, and dim interiors, using quick deductions, chemistry, and improvisation to stay one step ahead. Each clue tightens a conspiracy that could shake the country, forcing Holmes to blend science with flair and Watson to ground the plan with steady resolve. The film embraces Ritchie's stylish visuals and brisk pace, turning clues into a lively collage that mirrors Holmes's restless mind and keeps you guessing. The tone blends humor with danger and lets the action breathe without losing the mystery.
Directed by Guy Ritchie, this brisk adaptation reimagines Conan Doyle's iconic duo for a modern, kinetic audience. The screenplay by Michael Robert Johnson and Simon Kinberg blends the source material with a contemporary edge, packing humor, danger, and set pieces.
With a 90 million budget, the film grossed 524,028,679 worldwide, marking a major box office success and helping to establish a franchise built around a new cinematic take on the detective, appealing across ages, international markets, and mystery fans globally.
The film's brisk pacing, witty dynamics, and visual flair helped redefine Sherlock Holmes for a broad audience, inspiring thrillers and period adventures to emphasize momentum and banter. Its London atmosphere and action heavy sequences became touchstones in pop culture. Merchandise, fan theories, and renewed appetite for stylish detective adventures followed.
Many critics highlighted the balance of intellect and bravado, while some noted tonal shifts from traditional portrayals. Downey and Law sustain chemistry and the production design keeps momentum, contributing to a positive reception. Its popularity also reshaped expectations for adaptations of Victorian icons in screen storytelling, blending detail with pace.
What Viewers Are Saying
Fans say RDJ nails the witty banter with Watson, turning Holmes into a swaggering, fast moving guy who still feels clever, with Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler adding flair. Action hits hard with kinetic fight scenes and flashy CGI, and Mark Strong's Lord Blackwood provides a solid menace even if his screen time is a bit lean. Mary Morstan's romance helps pace the second act and gives the Victorian London spectacle some warmth, keeping things stylish and entertaining even when the movie runs long.
Details
- Release Date
- December 23, 2009
- Runtime
- 2h 9m
- Rating
- PG-13
- User Ratings
- 14,547 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery
- Country
- United States
- Collection
- Sherlock Holmes Collection
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Pictures +3 more
- Budget
- $90,000,000
- Box Office
- $524,028,679
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Robert Downey Jr.
Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law
Dr. John Watson
Rachel McAdams
Irene Adler
Mark Strong
Lord Henry Blackwood
Eddie Marsan
Inspector Lestrade
Robert Maillet
Dredger
Geraldine James
Mrs. Hudson
Kelly Reilly
Mary Morstan
William Houston
Constable Clark
Hans Matheson
Lord Coward
Director: Guy Ritchie
Written by: Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg, Lionel Wigram