Sherlock is my Holmes boy (2011)

Warner Bros.

I loved the previous film from two years ago and this one is no different. Robert Downey Jr. is back as Sherlock and Jude Law co-stars as Watson, his level-headed sidekick. Though I dislike the type of stylized fighting in these Sherlock movies, at least they present it in a way that fits the story. It’s showing his thought process of how he will disarm and defeat an enemy, and Sherlock will need all of his smarts because he’s finally met his match with the villain in this movie.

Besides being a detective with amazing combat skills, Sherlock is also a master of disguise. He describes it to his partner Watson as being “so overt, it’s covert”, which got a big laugh from me. This plays an important role in the film and even creates some of the best (and funniest) moments of the movie. My favorite part, though, was when Sherlock has to travel cross-country on horseback.

What also stands out in this Sherlock sequel is how it feels like a James Bond movie. In fact it feels more like “James Bond” than the current series of Bond films. The movie has a fun story that involves a lot of back and forth traveling across countries, battling spies who use poisoned darts, and even hording of a surplus of weapons. Perhaps I am seeing things that aren’t there, as I noticed that a lot with other movies from this year (Captain America, X-Men, and even Cars 2.) Whether it borrows elements from James Bond or not, I felt it’s a fun and smart action movie. Those seem to be a rare breed these days where you can find an action movie that’s fun, but also has its own style and great depth with its characters.