Guy Richie’s blockbuster interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective may not be to the taste Holmes purists, but it is an enjoyable action adventure romp containing brilliant performances by Robert Downey Jr and to a lesser extent Jude Law.

The portrayal of Holmes by Robert Downey Jr. (Chaplin, Iron Man) takes a different direction to that of the quintessential English gent acted out by Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett. In doing so Downey Jr. gives the old sleuth a refreshing update and delivers a captivating performance sometimes reminiscent of his performance in Chaplin. The most prominent difference with Guy Richie’s Holmes is the ratcheting up of homes brawn to the level of his brain. Personally I don’t have a problem with this, however to take this is a point were Holmes takes on a sideline as a bare-knuckled fighter seems to be taking things a little too far. With Guy Richie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, RocknRolla) however you have to expect that. In return you get a loving gothic representation of Victorian London that provides an convincing backdrop to the action.

It’s possible that Sir Arthur might struggle to recognise this version of his famous creation, however there are elements in most Sherlock Holmes films that are not true to the books. Watson was never the bumbling fool portrayed by Nigel Bruce, and other than Rupert Everett’s interpretation in The Case Of The Silk Stocking Holmes’ habitual drug abuse rarely gets a mention. This Holmes however is not a complete rewrite and many of his traits such as astute observation, deductive reasoning and forensic detective skills remain. You also get Holmes tortured soul acted out brilliantly by Downey Jr.

The performance of Jude Law Jude Law (Enemy at the Gates, Road to Perdition) as Watson doesn’t propel off the screen as Robert Downey Jr’s does however in taking a more understated approach Law’s performance is an excellent foil to Downey Jr’s exuberance.

Finally there’s the villain and the love interest played Mark Strong (RocknRolla, Revolver) and Rachel McAdams (Wedding Crashers, The Time Traveler's Wife) respectively. Guy Richie regular Strong puts in a good performance as the main antagonist Lord Blackwood. Lord Blackwood a serial killing occultist has somewhat of a Count Dracula feel about him. McAdams, as Irene Adler, on the other hand doesn’t really get much screen time which is a shame.

Bring on the sequel and Professor Moriarty.

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Mark Strong, Rachel McAdams.