Rating: 
Summary: A Fun, if Derivative, Addition to the "Holmes" Canon
Review: Though lacking the scope and real sense of tragedy of Billy Wilder's "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" (1970)--another "what if Holmes fell in love?" film based on the characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle--hit-or-miss director Barry Levinson scores a hit with "Young Sherlock Holmes." Here, a teenaged Holmes (played convincingly by Nicholas Rowe) battles an arch nemesis, years before the realization of who that villain really is, all while meeting Watson (a very Harry Potter-esque Alan Cox) and falling in love for the first time with the delightful Elizabeth (Sophie Ward). The best parts of the film are watching the pre-adult Holmes developing his acute mental sensibilities, besting the local teen blowhard as well as the bumbling Inspector Lestrade in the fashion that only Holmes can; the worst parts are the campy moments of whimsy--the odd, gravity-defying flying machine--and the, perhaps, typical subtext that English culture must be under threat of erosion from foreign ideals. Still, the film moves at a good pace, even if it is at the expense of echoing other films, such as the Indiana Jones series, the aforementioned Wilder film, and the Rathbone/Bruce series.
Rating:
Summary: Spielberg Does Holmes & I Proclaim It Good
Review: This nifty movie is sooooo Spielberg. In fact, it is more Temple of Doom than Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, but that's okay because the results are terrific. Barry Levinson cranks up the juice as Nicholas Rowe (as great a Holmes as Jeremy Brett) and Watson (Alan Cox doing a Nigel Bruce, foot in bucket and all) team up in a wonderfully atmospheric boarding school and fight computer generated bad things. Holmes falls in love with an English beauty, and not to give too much away, he loses her (gotcha), thus beginning his famous lonely path. There is so much to like ... especially for any Anglophiles. The gothic and the Victorian, the Spielbergian excitement, and a slick production with a lot of heart. And that's what really marked the best Spielberg-produced movies ... a lot of heart.
Rating:
Summary: Sherlock Holmes solves his first important case
Review: The greatest irony of "Young Sherlock Holmes" is that despite presentintg Sherlock Holmes (Nicholas Rowe) and John H. Watson (Alan Cox) as juevniles in a boarding school and the (then) cutting edge computer generated special effects, the thing that makes this 1985 effort the most unique movie based on Arthur Conan Doyle's creations is that it is the most romantic Sherlock Holmes film. There was some hint of romance at the end of "The Seven Percent Solution," but that film was more interested in putting Holmes on Sigmund Freud's couch and unravelling the character's lack of affection for the female gender. "Young Sherlock Holmes" presents the young master detective completely smitten with the lovely and equally young Elizabeth (Sophie Ward). Unfortunately, the game is afoot and our hero must (literally) save the Empire. This film is clearly a labor of love for writer Chris Columbus and director Barry Levinson, who provide a compelling and believable backstory for one of the greatest friendships in literature. No wonder these two always loved to solve mysteries, play with gadgets and disguises, and remained eternally confused about anything as inexact as human nature. Doyle clearly mentioned a different first meeting for Holmes and Watson, but I like this one a lot better. Their friendship is formed as Holmes solves his first great case. Watson finds a willing target for his hero worship, mainly because at this age the supercilious Holmes is a lot more enduring (not being able to shave will do that for you). One of the few people to take a liking to Holmes is retired professor Waxflatter (Nigel Stock), the grandfather of young Sophie, who is trying to invent the first areoplane. After besting a young rival in a clever display of his deductive powers, Holmes turns to a series of apparently unrelated deaths. As Watson watches in growing wonder, Holmes deduces the circumstances of their deaths and works his way through a chain of reasoning to determine the mastermind behind it all. That ultimate confrontation becomes almost a secondary concern after Holmes has to fight a duel with a computer-animated knight from a stained glass window. "Young Sherlock Holmes" is an enjoyable little film (produced by Steven Spielberg as if there was any doubt), provided that fans of Sherlock Holmes are open to the experience. Final Note: Like a recent Chris Columbus film, the DVD of which just got released, remember to watch the entire film, all the way through the final credits. Remember, you were warned.
Rating: 
Summary: Too good not to be on DVD
Review: Young Sherlock Holmes is the perfect film for young teenage audiences and old Holmes fans. With its clever plotting, tragic climax, and double ending (one before and one after the credits), this film deserves to be on DVD. Can we start a campaign to get a special edition release?
Rating:
Summary: A hidden gem worth watching again and again...!
Review: I saw this film when it was released in theaters while I was a teenager living in London, England. My whole family and I were instantly smitten by it. With an engaging storyline, strong acting and memorable characters, this has become one of the favorite films of my youth. Now in my 30's, I still enjoy watching this film whenever I can. Nicholas Rowe plays the young, intelligent Holmes and Alan Cox plays his sidekick, Watson. Beautiful Sophie Ward plays Holmes' love interest, Elizabeth. The story takes place in Holmes' and Watson's school days in London. Old friends of Elizabeth's uncle mysteriously die one by one, all caused by strange hallucinations caused by poisoned darts. Soon enough, Holmes and Watson embark on a wonderful tale of revenge, mystery and deception. I do wish this film would be released on DVD soon. It would certainly be a great addition to any mystery fans DVD/video collection.
Rating:
Summary: A really well made film
Review: One of the best films I have ever seen. Always wanted to see it again but never got a chance. If you love action, adventure, thriller then don't miss this one. Really a well made clean film. Sometimes I wonder - why this film is not released on DVD. Someone please convey my message to Paramount Home Entertainment. Waiting to buy a DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Elementary my dear Watson
Review: This story takes place at a private English school. Those that enjoy Harry Potter should enjoy this movie as well. Although not filled with magic spells or tricks it will put a spell of enchantment on your heart for the charactizations are great. The sets and music are excellent as well. Most people like the Sherlock Holmes movies or TV series. Imagine a young version in school with rivalry with classmates and a secret society that worships underground in a Pyramid in the middle of London to contend with. Oh did I mention he meets his lifetime friend Watson and his lifetime nemisis Moriarity? Levinson and Spielberg did a superb job on this. I can see why the Young Indiana Jones movies turned out so well. I only wish we had as many Young Sherlock Holmes movies. I am not sure why they didn't do a sequel at the time, perhaps to many other projects. Now the ages of the actors/actresses, not to mention I believe a death of one of them would prevent it with the same cast. I still hope that someday soon they will re-examine creating a series of these. Although I have all ready bought a DVD player I can certainly understand why one reviewer will not until this is out on DVD. Unfortunately many Spielberg and Lucas movies seem to be slow to get to DVD. One can only hope they will stop this trend and allow the fans of their movies to enjoy them with sharper picture and sound not to mention all the extras. This is a great movie for the family. It is especially a delight to watch around Christmas time since most of the scenes were shot with snow and the movie was released that time of the year.
Rating:
Summary: WHY is this film NOT on DVD????
Review: Tom Brown's School Days meets Arthur Conan Doyle!! And the mix is sheer genius! Young Sherlock Holmes is the sort of Disney Film they made in the late 50's and 60's. Not a child's film, but a family film. It is outstanding for plot, originality while remaining faithful to Conan Doyle's characters. The movie poses the question of what if Holmes and Watson met while they were school boys. Instead of movie into the ridiculous, they give you an intelligent movie on that premise - one which Conan Doyle, I think, would have approved. The atmosphere and sets are wonderful, the actors perfect, writing, direction are crisp and with a pace that keeps you totally absorbed. Watson come to a school in London during midterm and immediately is taken under the wing by Holmes. He is resented by many of the students for his brilliance, is somewhat the teachers pet, though some of the elder stodgy and calcified ones dislike his arrogance. Holmes is in love with the niece of a former headmaster, who know lives retired on the school grounds. He is a wacky inventor that is working on all sorts of inventions including a flying machine. There is a getting to know period, where Waston sees Holmes solving a mystery challenge, but soon they are involved in a real mystery. Someone is using blow darts tipped in hallucinogens that causes them to see horrid visions driving them to kill themselves. As one by one these men die, home begins to catch on something is not right. But when his old master dies in the same fashion, he is determined to find out who is murdering these people and kidnapped young girls. Won't ruin the thrilling mystery, but it is wonderfully done. As Holmes and Watson rush to save his love, with Lestrade several steps behind. It is a wonderful homage to Holmes and Watson character, yet still being so fresh and original. A Sheer Delight that demands repeat viewing!! And be sure to stay through the final credits or you will miss the punch line!!
Rating:
Summary: My vhs tape is getting old
Review: Why isn't this on DVD?!?!?!?? AHHHHHHHHHH!?!?!?
Rating:
Summary: A great movie!
Review: I was astounded a couple of years ago when my co-workers and I were talking about our favorite childhood movies...we figured out that all of us loved this one. It was the first "serious" (meaning not kiddy) movie my parents allowed me to see, and Nicholas Rowe was my first crush. Anyway, this is still one of my favorite movies, and it is very sad that it hasn't been released on DVD.
|
