Young Sherlock Holmes

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

Director: Barry Levinson

Cast: Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox, Sophie Ward, Freddie Jones Memorable Line: "The game is afoot."

I remember seeing this movie for the first time many years ago and while I didn't think it was great art, I felt that it would have made a bigger impact. Alas, it did not.

The Plot of Young Sherlock Holmes

Faithful companion and fellow adventurer, Watson (Cox) arrives at a new exclusive boarding school in London and quickly encounters a young man with exceptional perception and a keen intellect and they become fast friends. This new friend is, of course, the young Sherlock Holmes (Rowe).

The plot unfolds as Holmes displays his skills at solving little mysteries, but quickly expands as Holmes and Watson are looking into the murders of several older and upper crust gentleman. Authorities rebuff Holmes insistence that these crimes have a sinister pattern and Holmes and Watson must solve the crimes themselves. Accompanied by Holmes girlfriend, Elizabeth (Ward), they find that not all is right behind the scenes in London.

The Performances, Writing, and Director of Young Sherlock Holmes

Director Levinson might not have been the best pick to direct this movie as most of his prior and later work was more involved with character and this movie is heavily plot burdened. Plus his skills at handling action scenes seems to need some work.

Still, there's a decent, but somewhat preposterous plot that keeps the movie moving along that isn't entirely unenjoyable and is, in fact, quiet engaging. Rowe seems to capture the intellect and haunted drive beneath the character of Holmes. Cox gives a solid performance as the side kick, Watson, and Sophie Ward is enchanting as Holmes love interest.

Summary Judgment on Young Sherlock Holmes

If you're looking for a nice Saturday afternoon, popcorn movie, this Young Sherlock Holmes could easily fit your bill. It's not too intense of the younger set and is somewhat of a throw back movie and one that I wouldn't have minded seeing more of.