Searching for Mr. Holms

Jul 29, 2015 | ZacHanson

Last week I was able to brake lose from the magnetic powers of the office, and my wife took me to see the latest addition in an ever-growing list of Sherlock Holms movies “Mr. Holms”.  It was late afternoon and we were in the mood for something a little lower key then 3D mind-blowing special effects could provide, and this seemed to fit the bill.

“Mr. Holmes” is set roughly thirty years after the great detectives retirement when a series of events draws him back to a long past mystery, and because of the way time plays on an aging mans memory he is compelled to resolve his final case.

Ian McKellen plays Sherlock Holmes both at 60, when he is sharp and lively, and at 90 far from his prime.  He does a wonderful job of both, but his great portrayal of a 90-year-old man at times leaves the film wonting for pace.  The bright spot of the whole film is probably Milo Parker as Roger, the young boy that sparks our aging sleuth to moments of his former glory, and push’s him to hope even though it is not in his nature.  With all its faults the charm of Mr. Holmes is that it is neither a Blockbuster nor an Indi darling but simply a methodically paced well made movie. 

NOTE: I am only so well versed in the Sherlock Holmes novels.  I have read a few of the books but I don’t feel like I know the characters inside and out, all that said from my perspective Ian McKellen played an accurate Holmes right up until the end.

Forum Comments

mariaclara

Maria Clara Reis / Campos, Rio de Janeiro, BR

With so many movies based on special effects a movie like this can be a treat sometimes, based on acting. I love Ian McKellen, his talent is mind blowing even in movies that are not that great regarding script. Your review is really nice.

Posted Jul 29, 2015   05:08:45 PM

White_Tiger

Jennifer Walker / Newnan, Georgia, US

8

I may just have to catch this one, I've seen the Sherlock movies with Robert Downey Jr and one or two of the older ones that maybe seeing something new would be nice. Glad the two of you enjoyed it and shared your opinion!

I agree with @Mariaclara and with Zac, sometimes you just need a low-key, nothing blowing up movie to relax. :)

Posted Jul 29, 2015   12:16:21 PM

eek_a_mouse

Thanks for the review, Zac.  I have seen the preview for "Mr. Holmes" and hope to see the movie soon.  Sir Ian is a wonderful actor.   

Posted Jul 29, 2015   12:41:01 PM

MarshmallowLover

Kerry Abbott / Middle of Nowhere, TN, US

1 1

I had heard of this movie, but didn't know it was about Sherlock Holmes. I rarely go to the movies anymore, so when I do, it has to be something my husband and I can agree on. We're actually kind of excited about "Vacation" that I think came out today. Every preview has us laughing- we just hope the whole movie is like that. This Mr. Holmes one sounds likes one we'll definitely have to rent whenever it's released on DVD. Thanks for your review, Zac!

Posted Jul 29, 2015   12:43:28 PM

tayzbeth

christine Easom / Newcastle, Staffordshire, GB

I saw this a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. I loved the show pace, the gentle camera work, the slow unravelling of the mystery and the scenery. I thought that it had some touches of real humanity and humility. I liked the way the story came together at the end. I agree with you that the young boy played a great part and the relationship between him and Holmes was beautiful.

I understood the problems of gradually forgetting things. It is happening in my family at the moment and the frustrations, fears, oblivion and numbness of the condition are very real. I understood.


Posted Jul 29, 2015   02:18:39 PM

tayzbeth

christine Easom / Newcastle, Staffordshire, GB

I think that the pace of the film captured something very of the time, something very British and something which captured the condition that the characters were facing. I think that it forced the audience to allow the story to happen in its own way.  

Posted Jul 29, 2015   02:21:44 PM

Great post Zac. and I never saw this movie :)

Posted Jul 29, 2015   02:27:45 PM

What is an Indi Darling film for you? 

Posted Jul 29, 2015   02:41:03 PM

This is a movie I have been hoping to see. Sadly, our small town theatre was left out of the release. I will probably end up waiting for the dvd, but I am pleased with this review :).

Posted Jul 29, 2015   04:34:32 PM

Crimsonfell

Thanks for sharing, Zac!  My Mum and I are fans of Sherlock Holmes! I loved Ian Mckellen in the Lord Of The Rings films! I'll definitely have to see Mr. Holmes when the film come out here! :) Take care my friend 

Posted Jul 29, 2015   06:44:22 PM

JemGrrl

Abby Young / Charleston, South Carolina, US

Oh, wow, I had no idea this movie even existed.  I can't say that it'll ever be on the top of my list of films to see (my list grows and grows and then I forget about my list entirely), but I'm semi familiar with Sherlock Holmes and his trusty assistant-person, Watson, and I like Ian McKellan, so maybe someday I'll find myself running across it.  Thanks for the review!

Posted Jul 29, 2015   08:22:14 PM

zacsrockergirl

Emilia Cottrell / Sacramento, CA, US

7 2

Thanks for the review. Having only read some of the books but watched almost the entire BBC Granada series (which is based on Doyel's original works), I'm excited to hear that there may be a Good quality Sherlock movie. I'm a big Robert Downey Jr fan but those movies don't feel like authentic Sherlock Holmes to me. The show Sherlock feels closer to the stories, just set in modern times. Being a McKellan fan, I'll definitely have to check it out.

Posted Jul 29, 2015   08:35:15 PM

I think I've seen previews for this movie, I don't know a lot about Sherlock Holmes but it sounds like a good story. I'm glad you were able to have some down time with your wife.

Posted Jul 29, 2015   08:43:48 PM

TheGlam_Squad

Suze Robertson / Dallas, TX, US

Ah to be able to roll outta work in the afternoon and go catch a movie ...Livin the dream Zac.....Livin the dream ! ;) 

Posted Jul 29, 2015   09:01:51 PM

MusicFreakITZ

Megan Kyle / China Grove, NC, US

ah.. i want to see this movie.. loved Sherlock Holmes as a kid and still do to this day..lan McKellen is a phenomenal actor.. one of my faves... 

Posted Jul 29, 2015   09:09:00 PM

zacsmine

Christa Sunderland / Spring Lake, NC, US

Will have to check this movie out soon :) It sounds good :) 

Posted Jul 30, 2015   02:53:18 AM

Zac, your explanation of this film was very informative. The closest things I came to watching Sherlock Holmes is watching “Sherlock: Undercover Dog” as a child. I used to beg my mom to let me rent it from the Movie Gallery when they still had stores that rented VHS’s. We bought it when they finally decided to sell the old movies, before they went out of business. As you could probably guess, I love dogs. Anyway, I just wanted to say that reading this blog, though it is 3:45 am my time, is just what I needed. Thanks. It is good to hear someone talk in the manner you do as you talk about the things you are interested in. I very much enjoy and appreciate it.

Posted Jul 30, 2015   03:02:27 AM

Zac, you´ve really surprised me! You wrote it like a real Mr. Holmes, Mr. Zacolmes hahaha ...... I love all Sherlock Holmes stories. Have you watched the British tv series "Sherlock"? Is the best I have ever seen!!!  

Posted Jul 30, 2015   10:56:56 AM

Pinup6

I adore the Sherlock Holmes series. Whether it's a book or a movie. I believe Robert Downey Jr did a fabulous job in the most recent versions of the movies etc. And captured most of the comical side. 

I am really intrigued by this one! Maybe this weekend or the next I can go do the same. :) 

Posted Jul 30, 2015   02:55:52 PM

I plan to go see this movie. I love Sherlock Holmes!!! xxx

Posted Jul 30, 2015   03:08:46 PM

I love the series as well. Benedict Cumberbatch is Holmes for me, so I'm interested to see Ian McKellan play the role as well. I'll probably check it out soon, but now I feel the need to re-watch the first three seasons of Sherlock Holmes because I know it takes years (literally) for the following one to come out! There are only 3 episodes in each season, but each episode is around 2 hours long.

Fun fact: Martin Freeman, who plays Dr. Watson in the TV series, plays Bilbo in the Hobbit trilogy.


Posted Jul 30, 2015   03:08:47 PM

I can't wait to go see the movie now. Thank you for the recommendation! 

Posted Jul 30, 2015   07:12:50 PM

1 1 8

Zac Hanson.....Honest Movie Reviewer and Critic.  I appreciate reading your movie reviews more than I do of the so called "Professionals."   Who knows, maybe it is because you write so descriptively and whether it is a movie that I have ever heard of before or not, I walk away with great knowledge that is always presented in a manner that is so easy to understand.   I feel as if I have actually taken a little trip through the movie itself; like you took my hand and walked me through it.   Come to think of it, you are probably so good at telling us about the movies that you see because you are telling us a story  just like when you write a song.  And, mystery solved!

Posted Aug 1, 2015   08:53:58 AM

Wow that's sounds very cool! ;)

Posted Aug 1, 2015   04:39:41 PM

I wonder if it's anything like Finding Forrester (I don't like Sean Connery at all but he was brilliant in this)

Posted Aug 4, 2015   03:16:47 AM

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