“If I ever write a story myself, it will be to correct the milliard misconceptions created by his imaginary license,” says Sherlock Holmes (Sir Ian McKellen), referring to all the stories written by his old friend Dr. Watson. Holmes is lamenting Dr. Watson’s imagination to Roger (Milo Parker) as they attend to Holmes’ beekeeping duties in the dramatic film Mr. Holmes.
Set in London in 1947, the movie focuses on a retired Sherlock Holmes who lives quietly in his remote seaside farmhouse tending to his bees with only the company of his housekeeper (Laura Linney) and her son, Roger. Struggling with memory loss and still haunted by the one unsolved case that caused him to retire, Holmes must rely on young Roger for help in researching that case.
Fortunately, Roger’s only too happy to be of assistance, helping Holmes piece together clues to the unsolved mystery that include an angry and concerned husband, a white ladies glove, and a mysterious, beautiful but sad woman. Together, Holmes and Roger strive to connect the dots as they search for more clues in order to bring the truth of Sherlock’s old case to light.
Marvelously acted by Ian McKellen, Mr. Holmes provides a different twist on London’s famous sleuth but fails to weave any new magic. The mystery Sherlock Holmes and Roger are tasked to solve simply isn’t all that intriguing. Missing any thrills or genuine suspense, the film’s only real charm is the relationship between Holmes and Roger, which plays out very much like a surrogate grandfather and grandson. The scenes focusing on these two characters are the best in Mr. Holmes.
The film’s pacing is slow and ponderous, and the fact the actual case at the heart of the film never grabs your interest makes the movie feel even more sluggish. The result of the investigation is predictable, and the flashback scenes with Holmes working his last case come off stilted and forced, serving only to detract from the relationship between Holmes and Roger.
With almost half the film caught up in a completely forgettable case and the other half being saved by the wonderful talents of Ian McKellen, Mr. Holmes is likely to make audiences yearn for a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery starring Basil Rathbone. Even the action-packed Holmes, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., is more engaging than this take on the classic detective story.
GRADE: C
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some disturbing images, and incidental smoking
Running Time: 104 minutes
Directed By: Bill Condon
Release Date: July 17, 2015
