Blockbuster Buster Transcript: Honest Review: Young Sherlock Holmes

(The Channel Awesome presents logo is shown and clips from Sherlock Holmes (2009) plays.)

ERod (vo): Greeting fanboys and fangirls, I'm ERod and I'm the Blockbuster Buster. Ever since my Green Hornet review, a lot of you fell under the impression that I hate the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies. So just to clarify, no, I do not hate the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies and I do not plan to bust either of them. My only beef with them is that they seem to be the Americanized stylized version of Sherlock Holmes. Almost like they had no confidence in the source material. So, they has the action and the spectacle be the centerpiece of the movie as opposed to the mystery being the forefront. But, the fact of the matter is that I can rant all day long and still not get my point across as effectively unless I share with all of you what my personal perception of Sherlock Holmes is by reviewing my all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes movie.

(The title of the movie is shown)

ERod (vo): Young Sherlock Holmes

(Clips from the movie start to play.)

ERod (vo): At a casual glance, one might assume that this is the focus group Hollywood spin-off version of Sherlock Holmes but in actuality, it's more of a secret origins tale of the world's greatest detective. Hell, there's even a respectful disclaimer at the beginning of the movie clearly stating that this movie is not in continuity with the books. Which is something that most movies I review should have. While this film may not have any big stars, it does have a star-studded production team. Barry Levinson as the director, Chris Columbus as the writer and none other then Steven Spielberg as the producer. With such a trifecta of awesomeness assembled, great things were bound to happen.

Sherlock Holmes: The game is afoot!

The Plot
Erod (vo): A series of mysterious suicides begin to occur in turn-of-the-century London. But, a young college student named Sherlock Holmes believes that the murders are caused by frightful drug-induced hallucinations. Together, with his best friend, med student John Watson, They embark in an investigation which leads to what would be the first of many great adventures for the duo.

Favorite Character
ERod (vo): Being based on one of the most celebrated book series of all time, this movie is jam-packed with great characters. But more importantly, the filmmakers used each and every one of them to the peak of their potential. One of them is the villain. But sadly, I can't say much about him without giving away major plot points. So, I'll just say this, that the bad guy kicks ass. And FYI, make sure to watch the movie all the way through the credits because there's a little easter egg at the end. Alan Cox as Watson is phenomenal. Seeing him transform from a bumbling coward to a courageous hero is an absolute delight.

Watson: I might get caught and that would mean trouble.

Sherlock Holmes: Trouble? You would let trouble ruin an opportunity for adventure?

Watson: I can't afford to jeopardize my medical career.

Sherlock Holmes: Weasel.

Watson: I'm not a weasel. I am practical.

Sherlock Holmes: Weasels are practical.

ERod (vo): But my favorite character (no surprise here) is Nicholas Rowe as Sherlock Holmes. This was a very heavy role for a young actor and Nicholas handles it magnificently as we see Holmes go from a bright optimistic young man to the anti-social eccentric genius that we know him as today. It really hurts my heart to not see Nicholas Rowe in more roles like this. The only two movies I remember seeing him in were Lock, Stock And Two Smocking Barrels in which he plays a stoner that gets shot in the foot. Oh, and then there was the little bit in Seed Of Chucky. Priceless. None-the-less, this movie provides us with the pivotal moments that led him to become the Sherlock Holmes we know and love.

Favorite Line
ERod (vo): My favorite line comes in the form of a witty retort to bumbling Inspector Lestrade's stubborn close-mindesnes.

Sherlock Holmes: A great detective relies on perception, intelligence and imagination.

Lestrade: Where'd you get that rubbish?

Sherlock Holmes: It's framed. On the wall behind you.

(The frame is indeed behind Lestrade.)

ERod (vo): Ohhhh! Burn!

Favorite Scene
ERod (vo): The awesome scenes are aplenty. But, if I have to pick a favorite, I would have to go with the final fight between Holmes and the villain which consists of a swordfight atop a frozen pond. The emotional buildup comes to its crescendo as Holmes is going up against a superior opponent. All the while, the ice underneath their feet could crack and swallow them at any moment. (Clips from the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie is shown.) And while this may not be high-speed extravaganza that are the new films, (Clips of the movie ERod is reviewing plays again.) it still holds its own and its far more meaningful then your run-of-the-mill action sequences. Elementary, my dear Legion. Elementary.

Final Verdict
ERod (vo): As you watch this movie, you may notice a lot of similarities with other films. For starters, I'm not surprised that this movie was written by Chris Columbus who went on to direct the first two Harry Potter films (posters are shown) as a lot of the themes and dynamics between Watson, Holmes and his girlfriend Elizabeth are similar to that of the Harry Potter movies. Hell, I even heard that pages from the Young Sherlock Holmes script were used during the auditions for Harry Potter. (Scene of the hero using a flying machine plays.) Oh, and by the way, does the scene look familiar to you? Yep, (Picture of Wild Wild West is shown.) Wild Wild West completely ripped it off. Oof, West, you're on my list. (Clip of the movie continues playing.) And before I forget, this movie has the distinction of being the first one to use integrated computer animation and its pretty impressive how it sill holds up today. On a side note, this particular effect was created by none other then John Lasseter, the director of Toy Story and the head of Pixar Animation Studios. Ultimately, this isn't just one of my favorite movies, this is the film that introduced me to Sherlock Holmes and transformed me into one of his most devoted fans. So again, excuse me if I don't go crazy over the new action packed movies. This movie however, I can recommend with plenty of confidence. (The Badass-a-tude Meter pops up.) 10 points on the Badass-a-tude meter. Gather the family and check it out. And you know I'm not lying cause after all, once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

Sherlock Holmes: The game is afoot.