Sherlock Holmes (2009) Director: Guy Ritchie

Sherlock Holmes, like a Yorkie chocolate bar, is for men. There's no doubt about that. And Guy Ritchie will ALWAYS be annoying. There's no doubt about that either. Yet something works, really bloody works, in his vision of Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jnr as the famous detective and Jude Law as the enigmatic Dr. Watson. It's enormously fun and a glorious romp. Probably because of the following:

1) Holmes and Watson's bromance; Ritchie plays this to absolute perfection. Holmes and Watson love each other very much, it's clear to see. They are jealous of each other, they tease each other, Holmes gets upset when Watson announces his intentions to move in with his girlfriend Mary and they would go to the ends of the world for each other. It's the chemistry between Downey Jnr and Law (annoyingly good), brilliant casting, which makes it gel and a great script/dialogue which they bounce off each other.
2) Hans Zimmer's score; like some groovy little Gogol Bordello camp soundtrack.
3) The clothes; TO DIE FOR. These are proper gents and they look all marvellous in their tweed, top hats and finery. Rachel McAdams, as professional thief Irene Adler, has a stunning look especially in the final scenes with her tweed two piece suit.
4) The respect of being a 'gentleman'. Similar to bromance, this film explores what it is to be a true 'gent'. Manners, courtesy and anticipating how to win an underground boxing match are all here.
5) The action scenes. I never knew blowing up a dock could be so much fun.

I say it between my teeth, but Holmes is a triumph for Ritchie and bring on Sherlock Holmes 2 this December where the true villain emerges - Professor Moriarty.

4/5