Although a technically competent movie, it has the elements of a suspenseful thriller, but none of the thrills. The climax is flat and disappointing. When I compare this to the original Sherlock Holmes movies, or even the Holmes/Moriarty episodes of Star Trek Next Generation it has none of the charm or the mystery. Whatever mystery there is, is overpowered by the coldness of the film. The villain does some interesting things as if he is in league with the devil, but in the end Holmes rapid revelation of how everything was accomplished was not presented in a satisfying way.

The actors Downy, Law, and Adams (who I've liked in previous movies) seem to do an adequate job with what they are given but none of them are likable, especially Holmes. Partial blame must go to the overall story atmosphere. I have read many of the original Holmes novels and may be a victim of my preconceived notions of just who Holmes is. I can only guess, but it seems like the Director's vision for this story (cold and gritty) and Sherlock Holmes's personality in combination with Downy's portrayal just turned me off, all most a reminder of the actor's troubled past. I may be evoking a standard some will disagree with but first and foremost, I want to like Sherlock Holmes.