Reel Critic:

Hollywood is quite often notoriously short of originality. The motion picture industry has repeatedly turned to remakes, prequels, sequels, old television shows and, most recently, comic books for inspiration.

It is quite surprising, then, that it took so long for the industry to turn to such a previously successful vehicle as Sherlock Holmes. Holmes first appeared in print in 1887 and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featured the fictional London-based detective in four novels and 56 short stories.

According to Guinness World Records, Holmes is the most portrayed movie character in cinematic history, with more than 70 actors playing the part in more than 200 films. Perhaps the actor most associated with the role is Basil Rathbone, who appeared as the detective in 13 films. These films have become a staple of television and have familiarized successive generations with Sherlock Holmes and his good friend and associate, Dr. Watson.

The latest iteration of the venerable British detective is titled simply “Sherlock Holmes” and is directed by Guy Ritchie. Perhaps being known as much as the former husband of pop star Madonna, Ritchie has mostly directed small, independent, action-packed working-class criminal tales such as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “RocknRolla.” Once Ritchie was associated with “Sherlock Holmes,” some questioned if he was up to the task of directing such a mainstream, big-budget and high-profile project.

If Holmes was to be portrayed as the cerebral, middle-aged sleuth most familiar with audiences, Ritchie would most likely have been a very poor choice. However, because the writers have decided to go beyond simply presenting the detective’s deductive reasoning skills and have incorporated the more physical nature of the character as originally penned by Doyle, Ritchie is up to the task.

Robert Downey Jr. plays Holmes as a somewhat disheveled and slightly neurotic recluse with a penchant for bare-knuckle fighting and martial arts. Downey’s wiry physique and analytical approach to hand-to-hand combat renders him physically right for the part. More importantly, the actor is able to portray the mental gymnastics employed by the detective, an interesting mix of deductive reasoning and CSI-like forensic science.

Perhaps the biggest character makeover is Watson, played by Jude Law. Watson, although a physician, has been played as a bumbling and usually confused sidekick to Holmes, as personified by Nigel Bruce, Rathbone’s costar. Law’s Watson is nearly Holmes’ equal mentally and physically, and this transformation is more true to Doyle’s intent and renders the two a dynamic duo indeed.

All is not perfect in this association, however, as Watson is about to move out of the famous 22-B Baker Street flat he shares with Holmes due to his upcoming nuptials to Mary (Kelly Reilly). Holmes is in denial regarding this situation and tends to make things difficult for Watson whenever he can.

Holmes’ nemesis in this tale is Lord Blackwood, played with sinister glee by Mark Strong. Blackwood is a practitioner of the mysterious black arts, complete with human sacrifices, who hopes to use his powers to rule England and return the kingdom to its once-preeminent position. Complicating the case for Holmes is the sudden appearance of his on-again, off-again love interest, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), who is somehow deeply involved in this entire affair.

Downey’s portrayal is the key to “Sherlock Holmes” and, following his “Iron Man” character, the actor appears to be finally on the precipice of the superstardom that has eluded him due to his well-publicized personal issues. Downey dominates every scene in which he appears, despite the other excellent cast members, and has crafted a new depiction of the detective that will most likely serve as the blueprint for years to come.

The production values of the film are also quite good. Victorian London in all its grit, grime and grandeur is wonderfully depicted in numerous ground-level and panoramic views. The still-under-construction Tower Bridge, which is seen in several scenes, is a nice touch.

“Sherlock Holmes” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material. This rating is probably not indicative of the “squirm” factor related to some of the fight sequences and numerous instances of filth and squalor. Nonetheless, “Sherlock Holmes” is a worthy effort, and a sequel is a near certainty. Hopefully, this film will reinvigorate old fans and create new ones for Britain’s most famous detective.

VAN NOVACK is the assistant vice president of institutional research and assessment at Cal State Long Beach and lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.