Sherlock Holmes – 4 stars

Sherlock Holmes.  I expected to be underwhelmed and perhaps even dispirited as the Holmes character was “re-envisioned” for a new generation. What a pleasant surprise.  Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law are effortless in their banter and prove a great, smart duo (equaling my favorite, Christopher Plummer and James Mason in Murder by Decree).  The story moves, the visuals are impressive.  The weak spot is Rachel McAdams. She’s beautiful and wholly overmatched.  Fortunately, she is required to do little more than fear for her life.