Up & Coming Weekly

24 UCW JANUARY 13-19, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM It's not that I didn't like or enjoy Sherlock Holmes (128 minutes). The movie was fine. It was not, however, delightful. Everything on screen happened as exactly as formula demanded. Director Guy Ritchie certainly delivered a slick, modern version of the classic Arthur Conan Doyle while maintaining the famous original setting of Victorian England. There is nothing to fault in his particular vision of the characters, as he also man- ages to satisfy hardcore fan boys (and girls) with his interpretation. But something just didn't quite click. The film opens mid-case; with Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) calculating the exact angles of attack to most effec- tively beat down his oppo- nent. Eventually, he is joined by Watson (Jude Law), who assists his partner in prevent- ing Lord Blackwood's (Mark Strong) occult ritual and human sacrifice. Naturally, the police, led by Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan) arrive just in time to trade a few quips with the famous detectives and take the villain of the hour to jail. A cut passes the time between the opening vignette and the execution of Blackwood, during which time Holmes apparently goes a little loopy (poisoning dogs, testing guns in the house and upset- ting the loyal maidservant) lacking the focus provided by an ongoing investigation. The loopiness is possibly exacerbated by the fact that Watson has found himself a little girlfriend, Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly). Luckily, an old acquaintance of Holmes, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams, who seemed somehow unsuited to the role) brings him a missing person case. Somehow, the case leads back to Blackwood, which in turn leads the dynamic duo to a Top Secret Laboratory. While they are searching the lab, two thugs and a gigantic Frenchman engage our heroes in one of many endless action-y fight scenes. These hijinks land Holmes and Watson in jail, where they make many friends. The occult angle is further developed, and inevitably the lone female in the central cast is tied up and tossed about to further the plot. The body count mounts, leading to the first of several dénouements between Holmes and several individual suspects. Explosions and chase scenes aside, if you've seen any James Bond movies you can pretty much predict the course of the narrative from one scene to the next. Some characters switch their loyalty, only to switch loyalties back. The villains all announce their intentions before pulling the trigger, only to have Holmes enact a miraculous last minute escape armed with more information. My viewing companions argued quite passionately about my less than enthusiastic assessment of the film, so most people will probably find this version of the classic detective more fabulous than merely entertaining. Aside from the mistaken casting of McAdams, the actors are well suited to the roles they play. The soundtrack was a little bit too Irish punk folk for me, but Pogues fans will admire the orchestral work. Overall, there really isn't anything wrong with the film; it just wasn't my cup of tea. The Game Is Afoot Sherlock Holmes (Rated PG-13) by HEATHER GRIFFITHS HEATHER GRIFFITHS, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com We've got your solution to climbing credit card bills One Bill, One Payment Consolidate your high interest credit card bills today with Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union using our low, non-variable rate Visa credit card. Our rates are as low as 9.9% APR. Plus, our Visa credit card offers: No balance transfer fees • No hidden charges • No fees nor higher rate • on cash advances We're waiting for your call today! 910.864.2232 or 800.793.2328 www.fortbraggfcu.org *Membership, credit, & other restrictions apply. APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change. "RAGG "OULEVARD &AYETTEVILLE .# 910-323-1791 YOUR BASKETBALL HEADQUARTERS FOR COLLEGE, HIGH SCHOOL AND RECREATION TEAMS YOUR BASKETBALL HEADQUARTERS FOR COLLEGE, HIGH SCHOOL AND RECREATION TEAMS Visit our Hope Mills Location, 5613 Rockfish Road. 910.609.1791 YOUR BASKETBALL HEADQUARTERS FOR COLLEGE, HIGH SCHOOL AND RECREATION TEAMS YOUR BASKETBALL HEADQUARTERS FOR COLLEGE, HIGH SCHOOL AND RECREATION TEAMS

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