Sherlock Holmes is one of the greatest detectives of all time…in the fictional world of course. Holmes, along with his right-hand fellow Dr. Watson, has solved numerous difficult cases through astute observations and deductive reasoning, not to mention a little dirty work as well.

Their latest adventure pits them against the villainous Lord Blackwood, a cult leader bent on ruling Britain through fear and black magic. With his capture and execution, society appears to have caught a break in the chaos created. Unfortunately, it is short lived as Blackwood has inexplicably risen from the dead to take revenge on Holmes and the rest of Britain.

Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of the crime solving duo depicts them as yin and yang. Holmes, played by the talented Robert Downey Jr., is the brains behind everything. Every action and movement is in accordance to some logical decision, whether he is fighting in some run down pub or chasing after a criminal looking for clues. There are times where the audience will get to dissect his brain and see just exactly how Holmes thinks. It’s especially enjoyable when you witness him deal a wave of crushing blows to an opponent in a matter most effective.

Watson on the other hand, is more cautious with his thinking, always chastising Holmes for getting him into the mess he has created only to continue alongside his friend. Gone are the days of the short and stout Dr. Watson we’ve seen in past depictions. Instead we have a more robust and athletic Jude Law playing the role more closely related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original character.

On screen, Downey and Law make the perfect couple. They are constantly bickering with each other over the miniscule of situations. This lends itself to some rather comical scenes at both men’s expenses. Downey puts on his best god complex since his Iron Man days and doesn’t mind ruffling the feathers of the police chief or even Watson.

Do not be fooled though, as both men have love interests. Watson plans on marrying the lovely Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and to ultimately leave the partnership he’s had with Holmes for so many years. Holmes is a bit different in his love life. His heart goes out to Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the only person ever to outwit the great Sherlock Holmes, and twice might I add. It’s a love/hate relationship that neither want to personally acknowledge.

Sherlock Holmes is a fine addition to the many other iterations of the classic character. Typical locations like his dwelling at 221b Baker Street are featured as homage to the original. The film features a lot of detective solving action/adventure with comedy and a bit of romance. Think of it as watching an extended episode of Psych in the late 1800s with Robert Downey Jr. as the lead. This is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.