Cool Take on an Old Story

Sherlock Holmes (somewhere between Loved It & Liked It)--I really liked this movie, and some parts of it I loved, so that's why the less than firm rating. I thought Robert Downey Jr. was great as Sherlock Holmes and I really like Jude Law's take on Watson. The rest of the cast was also good. This movie has quite a bit of action violence and some serious fight scenes which Sherlock analyzes for the "benefit" of the audience, but very little bad language and NO sex!. You see a flash of Rachel McAdams back and this is quite a bit of innuendo, but nothing too bad. And, there were no sex scenes and surprisingly the man was the one with no clothes on (necessary area covered by a pillow) and you can see that scene in the trailer. It was a fun movie and I loved how Holmes used his brains to figure everything out. This is not a surprise because after all, this is Sherlock Holmes, but Guy Ritchie does a good job in breathing new life into an old standby. This is something that also occurred in the film Star Trek with that cast & director. I liked this new take on an old story. The macabre is there, and I especially enjoyed the relationship of Watson and Holmes. Law and Downey Jr. do that bit VERY well. So, if you're looking for a good time, go see this movie. I would see it again, because I'm sure I missed things the first time around. Can't wait for the DVD.

Another Hopeful Movie

The Blind Side (Loved It)--I mentioned that Invictus was a hopeful movie, and this is another movie that qualifies. I'll admit sometimes I like cheesy movies. This one could be called cheesy, but it isn't overly so. It helps that once again it is based on a true story. Although I know there is some "Hollywoodizing" of the story, I think they got the highlights right. But, Michael Oher did know how to play football before he got to the prep school. Nevertheless, this is a story about a family that was willing to reach out and help someone that needed a boost. I thought Sandra Bullock embodied Leigh Anne Tuohy. I've seen a couple of interviews with the real woman portrayed by Ms. Bullock and she nailed it. I also liked Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy. He did a good job and could do the souther man thing because that's what he is. Plus, they used some of his music in one of the scenes but it was subtly done and therefore done well. Quinton Aaron who played Michael was the right size to play a defensive football player and didn't overplay the part. He also has a compelling story of his own that is as interesting as the real Michael's (he lost his mom and was about to be evicted, auditioned for the role, didn't think he'd get it, told them he would work security on the set if needed, and then got the part). This movie shows the good in people and that is never a bad thing. We are bombarded daily with the stress and bad news that we all face, so it's good to have something inspiring and hopeful to watch. This movie is all that.