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New DVDs available at Leisure Time

Sherlock Holmes

****

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Mark Strong, Director: Guy Ritchie

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 128 minutes

Crime/drama/action

The legendary sleuth gets a modern makeover, with Holmes ditching his deerstalker and mild manners to become a kick-ass action hero who uses his brawn as much as his brain.

The story starts with Holmes apprehending serial killing black magician Lord Blackwood, who is sent to the gallows.

But when he seemingly returns from the grave and resumes his murderous spree, Holmes must resume the hunt - a quest that leads him down a path of deceit, danger and death.

Directed by Guy Ritchie - the British director of stylized London gangster thrillers Snatch and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels - this incarnation of Holmes is a million miles from the dapper gent made famous by Basil Rathbone in the 14 Holmes movies made from 1939-46.

The story is still set in Victorian London - but Holmes is up to his neck in its grimy underbelly rather than mingling with the upperclass.

Downey Jnr's Holmes uses his fists as well as his intellect and is seen bare knuckle boxing and showing off some slick weapon skills.

The actor gives his usual engaging performance and it is the highlight of the movie.

His Holmes is eccentric, witty, sarcastic and a sucker for a beautiful woman... which lands him in no end of trouble.

Jude Law also gives a surprisingly decent turn, turning Dr. Watson from a bumbling sidekick into a dangerous partner in crime, while current baddie-for-hire Mark Strong - the villain in Stardust, The Young Victoria and the forthcoming Robin Hood - is a tad cartoonish but menacing enough as Blackwood.

The story moves along at a good pace and while the plot is a tad ridiculous, there is plenty of fun action, notably a well choreographed battle high above the streets on the unfinished Tower Bridge.

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