Sherlock Holmes (2009)

On our recent 'cruise' to Bruges we considered watching Sherlock Holmes at the on-board cinema, but we decided that on the way back to Hull would make more sense, as we'd gain an extra hour in bed, rather than lose one. So we found ourselves watching Guy Ritchie's up-date of Conan Doyle's super sleuth in a 40-seater area on Blue deck, in the waters between Bruges and Hull. It's only the second movie I've seen on a boat since I watched Mrs Doubtfire on the way to Denmark over a decade ago. The experience is a bit weird, especially since the screen isn't a great deal bigger than a large wide-screen TV; you can feel the cinema move; and the sound of a pianist in the bar behind was sometimes distracting. 

The film itself was better than I'd expected. Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes was as watchable as ever, and Jude Law (Watson) reminded me how good an actor he actually is. The two leads' interactions as Holmes and Watson are the best thing about the film, and their bickering 'bromance' is funny and beliveable in equal measure. Rachel McAdams, who I find to be excellent in everything I've seen her in, proves an interesting distraction for Holmes and Mark Strong's bad guy is compelling, if a little pantomime villain at times. 

All of the action scenes are terrific, and the chase that culminates in a fight at a boat-building yard had me holding my breath and chuckling at the dialogue peppered amongst the pulse-pounding action. It was also amusing considering the venue for the film... I wonder if Titanic was ever shown on the cross-channel ferry? Or Final Destination on aeroplanes? Hmmm. Anyway, Sherlock Holmes held my attention and was very enjoyable - the plot had twists that I didn't expect, but the MacGuffin at the centre of it was a bit confusing; the banter between Downey Jr. and Law was infectious; and the tease for the inevitable sequel was compelling. Even the music was fun. I'd certainly watch Holmes and Watson's next adventure, against the nefarious Moriarty.