Sherlock Holmes

Brit director Ritchie makes Arthur Conan Doyle's Victorian-era detective into an action hero thanks to Downey's vivid (if disheveled) portrayal of a man with a frightening intellect, drug problems, few social boundaries, and fighting skills. Law is exasperated partner/confidante Dr. Watson and there's a hint of romance in McAdams' portrayal of the criminally-minded Irene Adler, although the actress really doesn't have much to do. Naturally, the plot involves a satanic sort of aristo baddie (Strong)--who apparently comes back from the dead--bent on destruction of the British Empire. Ritchie's problem is he can't leave well enough alone and has to overstuff his pic with too much scenery, action, and CGI though it is entertaining in a frenetic way. But both Holmes and Ritchie need to stop and have a soothing cup of tea.