Hello! I have been spending the holidays up in New Hampshire, and I went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with my brother-in-law. I don’t think I ever read any of the of the books, but I may have read one or two. I was, of course, familiar with the premise. I went into this having known only that it featured Robert Downey Junior, and some explosions.

This was not a mystery movie. This was a Victorian adventure story filled with some fun explosions. It was humorous, it was macabre, it was clever. The pacing was good and the action was exciting, without being excessive. I really enjoyed myself.

That said, some caveats. I am in love with Victorian adventure stories. I was not a fan before, so it couldn’t possibly have ruined anything for me. I don’t know to what extent it would have. And it was clever, which is not the same as intelligent. I’m not saying it was a stupid movie, but it is more likely to dazzle you with charm than with brilliance.

The acting was excellent and the characters strong. I had fun and was glad I’d seen it, and wouldn’t mind going again. It has been a while since I’ve seen something clever and fun and I’m glad this was both.