Cheap Young Sherlock Holmes (DVD) (Nicholas Rowe) (Barry Levinson) Price

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Customer Reviews of Young Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes solves his first important case
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.

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Elementary my dear Watson
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.

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EHTAR-RATHE
Young Sherlock Holmes is a truly excellent film. Although the story is totally apocryphal and Holmes Purists may be upset by the story, it is certainly one of the most fun I have ever watched about the Sleuth.

The Acting is great, the story is great and the score is a classic, but the where this film truly shimes, at least for me, is the visual effects.

Since this film was made before Computer Animation was widely used, there are a number of puppetry/stop action scenes that are amazing, as well as a computer animated stained glass knight.

This movie is a must watch, all the way through the credits (which contains an excellent indulgent twist).