Sir Ian McKellen plays an aging Sherlock Holmes determined to solve his last case before his memory fails, Laura Linney plays anxious housekeeper Mrs. Munro, a widow concerned about the future she and her young son face. Milo Parker plays her precocious son, Roger. The 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes struggles to recall the details of his final case, to fit the clues together, all the while his mind begins to deteriorate. McKellen is convincing as the aging Holmes. Laura Linney shows how strong a widow can be. And Milo Parker steals just about every scene he’s in. I found this film moving. GRADE: B+
I’ve see the preview but didn’t see any reviews and didn’t even realize it was out.
Jeff, this is what’s called a “quiet” film. Not a lot of hype, but it’s well worth a look.
SPOILER
I found it moving and liked the acting and look of it. Where it fell down a bit was with the cases he revisited, which were not exactly exciting. And they overdid the bee-keeping a bit. And didn’t you know the kid would get stung. But still B+ about right. Especially considering other summer movies this year.
Patti, you’re right about lack of excitement in the cases Holmes revisits. Loved the cast!
I see the NY Times called it a mild and minor bit of revisionist Sherlockiana but he liked McKellen a lot. He felt the same as Patti about the weak cases.
Jeff, Patti is right on the money in her film reviews!
I am going to Tuesday. Anxious to see it.
Scott, I’m sure you’ll enjoy MR. HOLMES. Very good performances and a moving story!
Barbara saw it last week and loved it. I’ve seen trailers and think it looks better than the comments here. I don’t expect **! EXCITEMENT ! ** in a Sherlock Holmes film, just entertainment and good character portrayl. If I want excitement I’ll go to a Marvel type film. I hope McKellen gets an Oscar nomination.
Rick, MR. HOLMES was well done. It might be Oscar-worthy.