1/10/10

Holmes delivers - almost

We ended up choosing the new Sherlock Holmes movie and it was very good. Both Robert Downey Jr (a fave of mine) and Jude Law were well cast in the roles of Holmes and Dr. Watson and were believable as the reknowned detectives.

I loved the CGI effects of London as it used to be, the scenery was stunning and it appeared pretty accurate too. The plot was strong and the story kept moving right along. Holmes character was depicted as the true eccentric he's supposed to be.

Sherlock Holmes has undoubtedly been given the 'Hollywood' requisite 'action movie' package, and therein lies the crux of the matter. Traditionally Holmes was a sleuth of the first calibre, much discussion and deduction resulted in the solving of the crime. There is a definite nod to this in the movie, but it's not quite enough and the action is allowed to takeover.

But the major criticism we had was for the sound. Maybe we are getting old, but it appears the sound guys in Hollywood think we're all half deaf and they need to ratchet up the volume to quite ridiculous levels! The dialogue parts were loud but okay, the action parts were totally deafening, it seems they ramp up the volume for these scenes like they do TV commercials! Are we alone, or do the rest of you notice this too?

Sherlock Holmes is good entertainment, well cast and action packed, we recommend it.

11 comments:

English Rose ♥ said...

I really didn't want to see this but you've made it sound bearable - if I was forced to watch it I wouldn't mind now =]

I adore your blog - want to exchange links?

Stay safe and chic darling
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

thanks for the tip! we will probably rent it on netflix. that way we can lower the volume...

North West London Girl said...

Right, that's it, as soon as I can get out of my lane I'm off to see this xx

Expat mum said...

We were at the movies a few weeks ago and the decibel level was unbelievable. There were so few people in the movie theatre that the sound was bouncing around and literally, giving everyone an earache. I went outside and asked for the sound to be turned down. I got some funny looks but when I mentioned "Damage" to eardrums they were fine about it! ;-)

Daryl said...

I want to see this .. but except for you everyone else I know who has seen it says its awful .. Jude and Robert are fabulous but there's a confusing plot most claim isnt easy to understand/follow .. in any case I am going to see it ...

Now do tell .. how did you make the little glittery things appear when I move my mouse?

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

We'll have to put it on our list. Good review.

Jo, a retired teacher said...

I agree with you. The sound is one reason that I seldom go to movies. The really annoying movies make the dialog so soft you have to strain to hear it, then blast the action parts.

I want to see the movie, but I think I'll wait until it's out on DVD.

Robin said...

I haven't seen the movie, but I completely agree with you about the sound. Have you noticed if you watch a movie on DVD you have the same problem? The car crashes and gun shots are deafening, but you can't hear the dialogue!

Flea said...

I loved Holmes. Loved it. And maybe it's just your theater when it comes to sound? Nah. They're all pumping up the volume. You're right.

Michael said...

It's good to get your perspective on this being that you know London well too and you felt Downey did a good job. i do so like him so had hoped that was the case. Of course i think Law is great too.

Anyway, i know what you mean about the sounds. I have to sit higher up just to get away from it all. Ugh. It seems everywhere, even Starbucks is cranking these days. People are going def. but wait a min! We are the ones who are mean tot be getting deafer as we age!

musingegret said...

I don't go anywhere (clubs, arenas, movie theaters) without earplugs in my purse. I bought some good ones (non-styrofoam) when I was helping my honey work construction and home-remodeling. The sounds of the saw were too painful for me. I fully intend to keep good hearing into 'old age' and this is preventive maintenance! LOL