Sherlock Holmes (2009)

This review contains no spoilers.

Plot
Sherlock Holmes and Watson are called out to a case: the black magician Lord Blackwood has risen from the grave, and it's up to the world's most famous detective to stop his killings and have the man hung- for real this time.

There're a lot of shout-outs to other chapters of the Holmes series, which is cute. Although there is quite a lot of action in the film, it's not really out of place and it is fresh and interesting.

Characters
Holmes and Watson are much closer to their portrayal in the books and are witty and charming, although each have their character flaws. Holmes is on the drugs again - but it's not mentioned which to keep the PG rating.
Holmes is in love with master thief Irene Adler, the only criminal to ever escape him. She seems at first to be rather an independent and headstrong character but as it turns out she's just serving her master, which we won't see again until the sequel.
Blackwood is fairly stereotypical in his role as a creepy villain, but he's still scary and mystifying.

Visuals and Cinematography
The visuals are great. I can compare the cramped spaces and grey streets to Sweeney Todd, although desaturation isn't as prevalent in this film. The camera is used well to let us know exactly what the characters are thinking at any given time, sweeping around and following trails of evidence to make us feel like a part of the investigation.

Soundtrack
The music to this film is incredible. It combines orchestral with electronic elements, and is overall a chaotic soundtrack. All of the sound seems to be somehow distorted, whether the piano's out of tune, the violins are screeching or something just doesn't seem to be in time, but it all seems to sound great despite the chaos. There seems to be a motif of time or industry in the music, as you can often hear the violins imitating the 'tick-tock' of a clock. The sound is certainly suited to an Industrial Revolution-era film.

Overall
A surprisingly original and interesting film, and a great retake on the Sherlock Holmes series.
8/10