Mr. Holmes

Sometime back, a T Shirt featuring Sir Ian McKellen created a minor ripple (http://weheartit.com/entry/group/100286).  It read, I AM GANDALF AND MAGNETO. GET OVER IT.  Sir I M can now change that T Shirt to read – I AM GANDALF, MAGNETO AND SHERLOCK – BEAT THAT!!!

It would not be unfair to say that Sir I M has carried Mr. Holmes on his ever reliable shoulders.  A tremendous amount of support from 2 other characters in the narration i.e. Mrs. Munro (Laura Linney) and her son, Roger (Milo Parker) cannot be discounted for certain.  They have both acted exceptionally well indeed.

However, the presence of Sir I M on screen and the absolute ease with which he essays the role of the greatest detective of our times keeps you rooted to the screen through this otherwise very slow narrative about the last days of Sherlock Holmes and of course the one case that leaves him frustrated.

The story begins with Holmes (Sir I M) in his country house.  Mrs. Munro is the caretaker and Roger is of course fascinated with the opportunity of meeting the man in person.  So much that Roger keeps at him to give an exhibition of what Holmes is so famous for – telling a person where he was the entire day just by observing.

Holmes is in the process of writing his last story – you read that one right – WRITING his last story.  He is of course aged and battling with dementia every step of the way but keeps at it.  The story thereby shuttles between the attempt to write, his visit to Japan for sourcing Prickly Ash for his dementia and of course his last case.

Award winning screen writer Bill Condon (also known for directing The Fifth Estate and  Dreamgirls) weaves a beautiful story that has the right mix of intrigue, humour and drama that keeps you interested in the story.  Mind you, the pace can get challenging at times but keep at it and you will not be disappointed at the end of it all.

Laura Linney has to be mentioned for what could be her best performances to date.  A simple but small role but very pivotal to the story.  Ditto for Milo Parker who has held his own with some really big stars.  Kudos to the entire team overall for providing us with a wonderful story.  Watch it for sure.  7.5 on 10.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi613658649/