90s Movie Review - Gattaca

Director: Andrew Niccol
Genre: Drama/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 1997
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Tony Shalhoub, Gore Vidal, Elias Koteas, Blair Underwood

Description: A genetically inferior man (Ethan Hawke) assumes the identity of a superior one (Jude Law) in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 21: A MOVIE SET IN A DYSTOPIAN WORLD
 
Review: In the near future, it will be possible to have children through genetic engineering. This way the parents can choose what color hair their child will have and also things like eye color and other physical characteristics. Also in terms of intelligence and genetic weakness, the children can be modified and thus there will be almost only perfect children. Vincent Freeman, however, is not; he was just brought into the world in a normal way. He experiences problems with this, as all perfect people get the best jobs. Vincent also has a dream to go into space, but due to a heart defect he will never qualify for this. Then he meets Jerome Morrow. He is genetically adapted, but is in a wheelchair due to an accident. In order to survive, he sells his genetic material to people who can use it. Vincent uses Jerome’s DNA to make his dream come true. The plan succeeds, but when a murder is committed, Vincent finds himself in trouble when he must go to great length to keep his genetic imperfection hidden.

Andrew Niccol has written and directed “Gattaca”. The film is a combination of science fiction, drama and thriller. Science fiction, because the story takes place in a dystopian future and thus not because of space battles. It’s about a future society, where people can have the perfect child through genetic engineering. All traits can be carefully chosen and, in addition, all genetically determined diseases are gone. However, the main character Vincent is a normal person who does not have all the advantages that a genetically perfect one does.

The story is well written and has excitement and entertainment in it. The characters come across as believable, including their actions, and they are well explored. The theme about genetic engineering is still relevant today, and therefore the movie has not lost its power so many years after its release.
It seems like a quite simple movie, but Andrew Niccol has added several layers to the story. Without moralizing to much, he shows the consequences of a perfect society and what effect this can have on some people.
Ethan Hawke has always been an actor I like to watch. He manages to convey his character’s struggles well. He is human and vulnerable, which in in contrast to the perfect people that populate the world around him. Jude Law’s character Jerome is genetically perfect who despite this fact, still did not find happiness. His performance is also convincing. Uma Thurman, although strong as well, plays Vincent’s love interest, but her character isn’t as developed as the aforementioned Vincent and Jerome.

The atmosphere of the film is sterile and cold, a perfect setting to create the right mood for this film. This all makes “Gattaca” a very interesting film with a captivating story. The combinations of genres works well and the world building and set design are really good. Highly recommended when you enjoy movies about dystopian and future societies.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Movie Review - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy
Runtime: 143 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Richard Coyle, Jessica Williams, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner
 
Description: Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) assigns Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and his allies with a mission related to the rising power of Grindelwald.

Review: In 2001, J.K. Rowling released two booklets with proceeds going to charity. “Quidditch Through the Ages” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” where two fictional school books. The latter was written by an alter ego of Rowling: Newt Scamander. As the best and also only magizoologist, Scamander knew how to deal with magical creatures hidden from muggles.

Due to the immense success of the eight Harry Potter movies, film studio Warner Bros. went looking for a new way to continue the series. Rowling came up with the idea of writing a film series based around the adventures of Scamander and including the rise and fall of Voldemort’s predecessor Grindelwald. Three films eventually became five. the first one I loved, the second a little less, but it was still highly enjoyable. I was excited for part three. Maybe even especially because Mads Mikkelsen took over the role of Grindelwald from Johnny Depp. Mikkelsen eventually became the highlight of this film.

Part three, as the title suggests, revolves largely around Dumbledore, who in his younger years is played by Jude Law. The wizarding world is at a major turning point when a new leader of the International Wizarding Association must be chosen. Leader Vogel thinks he has found two excellent candidates in the Brazilian and Chinese Ministers of Magic, when Grindelwald also applies for the post. Dumbledore and Grindelwald share a troubled and emotional past but have also sworn a blood oath preventing them from harming each other.

Grindelwald however, is planning to take over the wizarding world and is working hard to win souls to do so. He has managed to get his hands on an extremely rare Qilin, an creature with special abilities. Not only can you see the future in the creatures blood, but a living Qilin is able to point out the candidate who has a pure, honest soul. Newt, along with his brother and friends, is sent by Dumbledore on a mission where a confrontation with Grindelwald will be inevitable.

The film is dark and at times even dreary due to its hidden subtext. Without mentioning it, a strong parallel is drawn between the rise of Grindelwald in the 1930s and the rise of Adolf Hitler. Nazis are not mentioned, but that Grindelwald has fascist tendencies is obvious. It is a villain who is more sibtle and sophisticated than his later successor Voldemort. With his charm and patience he seems less straightforward, but it is abundantly clear that he ruthlessly eliminates anything and anyone who stands in his way.  

The recasting of Mikkelsen proves to be a golden touch. The Dane is more subdued, more subtle and doesn’t employ the manufactured mannerisms of Depp. His interaction with Jude Law, in particular, pack an exciting punch from the start, due to the various kinds of tension that hangs between the two wizards. Eddie Redmayne, as Newt Scamander, is once again a charming presence, but his character seems increasingly relegated to the sidelines. Unlike the previous installment, the sequences in which his magical beasts are brought from the stables serve the story. It certainly makes for both comical and nail-biting scenes when a liberation attempt is made.

It is also a strong move that Rowling is increasingly working towards the wizarding world and the Hogwarts we already know from the earlier films. For example, the characters visit the school several times and we see a young Minerva McConagall. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” excels especially in complex, ambiguous characters. Ezra Miller impresses as Credence (who reminds me of a young Snape) who must choose between loyalty to Grindelwald and his family.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” makes some bold choices. And it works out. I really enjoyed this film and can’t wait for the next.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - The Nest

Director: Sean Durkin
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Jude Law, Carrie Coon

Description: Life for an entrepreneur (Jude Law) and his American family begins to take a twisted turn after moving into an English country manor.

Review: It is 1987 and a couple, consisting of Rory and Allison, seem to be living a happy life in the US with their son Charlie and Allison’s daughter Samantha. When Rory announces that the money is about to run out, but that he has a chance to make a hit in London, the first cracks in their happy life become visible. Allison is not all keen on moving again. Reluctantly she finally agrees and the family moves to a large, but not very well maintained mansion in Surrey.
It soon becomes clear nobody likes it there and between the various marital quarrels the family members separately wallow in self-pity.
It’s a slow burn and the story never really leads to anything. Although the acting by Jude Law and especially Carrie Coon is superb, the film was very disappointing and had a superficial plot and development.

Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - Captain Marvel

Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law, Annette Bening, Lashana Lynch, Clark Gregg, Djimon Hounsou, Gemma Chan, Lee Pace

Description: Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.

Review: In 2017 there was “Wonder Woman” and we finally got a good movie starring a female superhero. And it was directed by a woman. It was an easy watch without being too feminist. But this was DC. Marvel has been overshadowing DC for years now, but here DC beat them. But Marvel has an answer, in the form of “Captain Marvel”.
We know her as Miss Marvel in the comics, but was promoted to Captain Marvel (which is a man in the comics). Born as Carol Danvers, we see her as a member of an intergalactic taskforce fighting against the Skrulls, a shape-shifting rase who is at war with her people, the Kree. When Carol crashes on Planet Earth in the mid-90s, she has to fight the Skrulls on her own. Carol meets S.H.I.E.L.D.-agent Nick Fury, who she teams up with.
Having Fury in this film is a big win. Played by Samuel L. Jackson in several other Marvel films, he finally gets a more substantial part in one. And I love him in “Captain Marvel”. He also has great chemistry and interaction with Brie Larson, who plays the titular character very well.
The film has a great 90s vibe, and not only due to the setting, clothes and music. Also when you look at the action scenes.
I’m a little late to the party, seeing “Captain Marvel” just now. I expected something completely different, but was pleasantly surprised. I highly enjoyed “Captain Marvel”.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure/ Fantasy/ Family
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Zoë Kravitz, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterstone

Description: The second installment of the "Fantastic Beasts" series featuring the adventures of Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne).

Review: In 2016 Warner Bros. and director David Yates brought us a spin-off for the Harry Potter Franchise: “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”. J.K. Rowling wrote the screenplay and situated the Harry Potter universe in 1920s New York. I worked and Newt Scamander was an interesting and loveable character.
At the start of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”, wizard Grindelwald has been in prison for six months. With his charm, he manages to escape the prison. He travels to Paris and starts to recruit followers. The government wants to catch him as soon as possible, so a true cat and mouse game unfolds.
In the first film, Grindelwald was after Credence Barebone. He appeared to be an extreme powerful wizard that Grindelwald wanted on his side. At the end of that film, everyone thought he died. But Credence is in Paris, looking for his parents. And Grindelwald is looking for Credence. To stop Grindelwald from his evil plans, Albus Dumbledore sends former student Newt Scamander to find Credence. But Newt and Grindelwald aren’t the only ones looking for him. A lot happening in the sequel.
And that’s the problem with this film. Although it’s amazing to step into the magical, wonderful fantasy of J.K. Rowling and to get to know the Parisian wizarding world, there is too much going on. Newt doesn’t feel like the main character anymore, while the franchise is set around him. If they used less storylines, it would have been better.
But there is enough to enjoy. New fable animals, like the Chinese Zouwu. A big lion dragon, who looks amazing and has a great role in the film. The action is spectacular and the finale is satisfying. It’s mainly all those storylines that make it too heavy.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 82: 360

Director: Fernando Meirelles
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Anthony Hopkins, Ben Foster, Moritz Bleibtreu, Jamel Debbouze

Description: A dramatic thriller that weaves together the stories of an array of people from disparate social backgrounds through their intersecting relationships.

Review: “360” is a mosaic film where there are multiple storylines and characters that on some point intertwine and overlap. This theme can make a movie stronger. In “360” those storylines are further apart from each other and it never reaches the depth that it should have.
A sex offender that is released from prison and can’t touch any women, is approached by a charming girl at an airport. A driver for a criminal who is letting his own marriage fail because he is slaving for his boss. A call girl with a hidden agenda. “360” does have some intriguing storylines.
The real problem is that only a few storylines have been executed well. The rest is only half done. Which makes some connections a little farfetched or even useless.
Some characters give the film a little bit of hope. The sex offender is an intriguing character, but he doesn’t get a lot of attention. It’s fascinating how he struggles. And the storyline of the driver and a woman he meets on the street is very nice to watch too.
But most characters hardly have a chance to grow. Rachel Weisz and Jude Law play a married couple who find love outside their marriage. That’s really all there is. There are no motives or marriage problems revealed. The characters stay at a distant and are very one dimensional. And this goes for almost the entire film.
Like mostly in movies with a mosaic structure, there is no leading character. But there should be a central focal point and “360” is missing that. It could have been a really good movie, because I always love these kind of film. “360” just didn’t do it for me. Even Anthony Hopkins couldn’t make that happen.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 81: Spy

Director: Paul Feig

Genre: Action/Comedy

Runtime: 120 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale

Description: Desk-bound CIA analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

Review: Susan Cooper works as an analyst for the CIA. Behind her desk she helps out CIA agent Bradley Fine during dangerous missions. When something happens to Bradley and the identity of all the other agents is revealed, Susan is the only one that has never worked undercover.

An action comedy with a female lead, that’s very rare in Hollywood. The talented Melissa McCarthy and director Paul Feig, who worked together before for “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat”, make it happen. McCarthy’s character changes from an insecure woman to a bad ass agent. The perfect woman for this role. The movie has great humor, it’s never cheesy or lame.

Jason Statham probably has the most fun role, as over the top spy, who can’t handle the fact that a woman like Susan is send into the field. Statham’s character Ford appears in the strangest places, to screw up the mission and brag about his heroic actions. Statham is seriously hilarious and clearly has a talent for comedy. Also Rose Byrne, Allison Janney and Miranda Hart get enough room to exploit. Funny and strong supporting roles.

In an action comedy you don’t only expect catchy jokes, but also entertaining action. Director Feig manages to gives us that too. It’s fast paced and well filmed.

“Spy” is a hilarious comedy that gives Melissa McCarthy plenty of room to shine. And I think if “Spy” is a success, we don’t have to wait long for “Spy 2”.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 83: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 101 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Jude Law, Saoirse Ronan, Lé Seydoux, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, F. Murray Abraham, Harvey Keitel, Tom Wilkinson Mathieu Amalric

Description: The adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

Review: You love his work or you hate it. Where most directors want to be as realistic as possible, Wes Anderson does the opposite and makes everything look artificial. In “The Grand Budapest Hotel” we can again see this and it’s another highlight in his career. A mix of diverse genres leads to a crazy adventure.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a story within a story within a story. The three time fazes are all filmed in different formats and color schemes. We start in the eighties, when we see a girl with a book and a key walk up to a statue of a deceased author. Next we make a leap back in time and we see that same author, talking to the audience, telling us how the story of “The Grand Budapest Hotel” started. Then we jump to the sixties, where we see the young author in that hotel, meeting owner Zero Mustafa. He tells the story and that’s where all the madness starts. At the start of the 1930’s the hotel was hot and happening. Especially rich, elderly ladies love coming there. Does it have anything to do with the charming and charismatic concierge Gustave H.? Through the eyes of the young Zero, who is thought by Gustave, we see how everything works in the hotel. When one of the guests, Madame D, dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustave inherits the pricey painting ‘Boy with Apple’. His fascist son Dmitri isn’t happy about that.

The cast is filled with many great actors. Most only have a small role. Some are common faces in Wes Anderson films, like Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson. Ralph Fiennes is the one carrying the film. He does it so well. On one hand he is this super slick charmer, but he can also be vulgar and crafty. And his comedic timing is just perfect.

Besides comedy “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a mystery, action thriller and a romance. But most of all it’s a tribute to the days gone by. As no one else Wes Anderson mixes reality and fiction together. It’s like a storybook coming to life.The result: a hilarious and unique film, like only Anderson can make, perfected in every detail and filled with great characters.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 26: Side Effects

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Description: Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) becomes severely depressed with emotional episodes and suicide attempts. Her psychiatrist, Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), after conferring with her previous doctor, eventually prescribes an experimental new medication called Ablixa. This medicine has some strange side effects, which will change Emily’s life.

Review: Soderbergh has a great variety of genres and themes. “Side Effects” is a psychological thriller full of complots, deceit and twists.
The movie starts as a drama, when 28-year old Emily welcomes home husband Martin after him being in prison for four years. When things should get better, Emily’s depression gets worse and she even tries to commit suicide. She comes in contact with Dr. Jonathan Banks, who prescribes her Ablixa, a medicine that isn’t on the market yet. Emily starts to experience some side effects, which lead to her doing something that can never be undone. From there on the movie takes a different turn and it leaves the viewers gasping for air.
Like I said in the beginning, “Side Effects” starts as a drama but makes a switch to a psychological thriller halfway through. The unexpected plot twists are what make this film exciting and unpredictable. You can not see it coming. Although some of the storylines are a bit absurd and especially towards the end it feels a bit improbable, it doesn’t take the tension and surprise element away.
Soderbergh decided to stop making films, but this is a good movie to end off a series of movies he made in the last 24 years. He gave the audience a worthy goodbye, because “Side Effect” is a movie that surprises and shocks you. It’s definitely more than meets the eye.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 24: Contagion

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard, Bryan Cranston, Elliot Gould, John Hawkes

Description: The CDC races against time to develop a vaccine against an extremely lethal virus.

Review: It’s very clear what this film is about, the title says it all. Between all the big stars, the style of this film stays cold and sober constantly.
The plot is basically about an epidemic of a life-threatening virus, that kills almost everyone who comes in contact with it. It’s an unknown virus and it takes some time to find a vaccine. This results in panic, desperation and a manic search for a cure.
“Contagion” has several characters and follows some subplots. There is too much going on to give the characters any depth. Soderbergh wasn’t aiming for that. What he did well is showing us how people would react in a situation like this. The most interesting part of the story is where the leader of the CDC, doctor Cheever, and blogger Alan Krumwiede go head to head.
The movie is set up in fragments, which works. You feel the pressure and the panic. Although it was already explained to the viewer what this virus is, Soderbergh decided to put the cause of this virus in the last minute of the film. It feels like the movie is over-explaining itself, which wasn’t necessary. We aren’t dumb.
“Contagion” was a good film, but pretty average and not very memorable for me.

Rating: 3/ 5

The Many Faces of... Jude Law

Jude Law was in many movies and he has many different looks as well. So here I share with you the looks.

Face # 1: eXistenz
Role: Ted Pikul
Comment: He looks so young.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 2: The Talented Mr. Ripley
Role: Dickie Greenleaf
Comment: Well hello!
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 3: Enemy at the Gates
Role: Vassili Zaitsez
Comment: He doesn't look very happy. Well.... it's war so you can't blame him.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 4: Artificial Intelligence: A.I.
Role: Gigolo Joe
Comment: Creepy... He looks like Ken from Barbie.
Rating: 1/ 5

Face # 5: Road to Perdition
Role: Harlen Maguire
Comment: Although his face is pretty fucked up, you still see how handsome he is.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 6: Cold Mountain
Role: Inman
Comment: The movie is terrible, but this look is just perfect!
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 7: I Heart Huckabees
Role: Brad Stand
Comment: This is a little bit too perfect, which means over-the-top.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 8: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Role: Sky Captain
Comment: I salute to you!
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 9: Closer
Role: Dan
Comment: Those glasses make him look sexy.
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 10: The Aviator
Role: Errol Flynn
Comment: This face has sleazebag written all over it.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 11: The Holiday
Role: Graham
Comment: I wouldn't mind having breakfast with him.
Rating : 5/ 5

Face # 12: My Blueberry Nights
Role: Jeremy
Comment: Or go on a date with this guy.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 13: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Role: Imaginarium Tony 2
Comment: Creepy again.
Rating: 2/ 5

Face # 14: Sherlock Holmes
Role: Dr. John Watson
Comment: My dear Watson, I have to say you look darn charming.
Rating: 4,5 /5

Face # 15: Repo Men
Role: Remy
Comment: He's up to something...
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 16: Hugo
Role: Hugo's father
Comment: Again with glasses. He looks good in them.
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 17: Anna Karenina
Role: Alexei Karenin
Comment: Even worse than the Barbie-doll look. And the glasses don't make it better.
Rating: 1/ 5

James, Emma, Robert, Naomi and Jude

I had a creative moment today. I made six new wallpapers and I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with the results. The first two feature James Franco.

The one I have on my desktop right now is this wallpaper of Emma Stone. I love this photo.

My favorite actress Naomi Watts. I included one of her quotes.

And after seeing "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" a wallpaper with Robert Downey Jr. and one With Jude Law.

As always, feel free to use them on your own computer.

Best of... Jude Law

I recently saw "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" and although I prefer Robert Downey Jr. I decided to make a best of list for Jude Law.

"The Talented Mr. Ripley"
I especially love the combination of Matt Damon and Jude Law. Damon's Ripley adores the life of Law's character Dickie Greenleaf. Just fine performances by the two men and a great story.

"Enemy at the Gates"
A gritty and realistic portrayal of one of the worst battles in the history of war. There are so many war movies, this is one of the best.

"Artificial Intelligence: A.I."
The movie is a bit odd, but it really surprised me. Haley Joel Osment as the little robot boy was deeply moving, although I think he also creeped som people out.

"Road to Perdition"
While making this list, I almost forget to put this one on it. Yes, Jude Law plays Harlen Maguire, the guy trying to kill Michael Sullivan. This is an overlooked film that didn't get the credit it deserved.

"Cold Mountain"
Not a big fan of Nicole Kidman, but that's just how much I liked Jude Law and Renee Zelweger in this film. It's a very beautiful story, an entertaining movie.

"I Heart Huckabees"
This is one of the weirdest movies I've seen. It's not a standard story and the characters are pretty strange. But because it was so freaky, I liked it even more.

"Closer"
Clive Owen and Natalie Portman are the true stars in this film and they're just the supporting actors. Their acting was stunning. Jude Laws performance was very solid and I liked him together with Nathalie Portman.

"The Aviator"
Jude Law is in this movie too. He plays Errol Flynn. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayel of Howard Hughes is brilliant. Not the best Scorsese movie, but definitely worth watching.

"Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"
I love the books, and I really liked how they brought it to life. Jude Law provides the voice-over as Lemony Snicket. Great, absurd story.

"Sherlock Holmes"
I fell in love with this movie. Like I said before, Robert Downey Jr. gets my preference. How awesome is he as Sherlock? Guy Ritchie made a great choice, also for picking Jude Law for the role of Watson. Charming as ever. And Robert had perfect chemistry with Rachel McAdams, whom I adore as well. Love this movie!

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"
I can't say which of the movies is better. Watson's role in this one was a bit big bigger and more important. And I loved the scenes with the hedghog goulash and Sherlock on the horse. I seriously can't decide which one is better. Guy Ritchie did a great job, again.

Haven't see "Hugo" and "Contagion" yet. Probably will someday.

Confirmed: Rachel McAdams will be in Sherlock Holmes 2

It wasn't sure if Rachel McAdams would come back for the movie "Sherlock Holmes 2". They started filming in october 2010 so you'd think they would be a little bit more sure about their cast. Well now they do. I just read that Rachel will star in the sequel. YEAH!! Rachel will again appear as Irene Adler, the only woman that ever outsmarted Sherlock. She will only have a cameo, so she won't have a big role. But still, she's part of the project and that already excites me. She had such good chemistry with Robert Downey Jr. and I thought they made a great on screen duo. Or actually team, we can't forget about Jude Law. And here's a photo to prove that I'm not kidding. Together with director Guy Ritchie, on the set in France. The movie will come out in December 2011, so we have to wait a while. But I hope it'll be worth waiting for. Well, Robert Downey Jr. and Rachel McAdams are always worth waiting for ;) .

Movie Tip #37 - Sherlock Holmes

Director: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly

Description: After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. Watson (Jude Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood (Mark Strong) mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams).

Review: I was excited to see this movie, because I just love Sherlock Holmes Stories and because of Robert Downey Jr. Well, I got want I wanted. The movie opens with Holmes chasing Lord Blackwood and you're completely dragged into the atmosphere of the film. The music is also rousing which makes it even more thrilling. Soon we see that Downey Jr. as Holmes was a perfect choice. Intelligent humour, quirky manners and a ton of charm. Especially the scene with the little and big hammer and the part where they are trying to 'save bullets' are hilarious. Jude Law is a great sidekick (they first thought of Colin Farrell, so not a Watson) and he's charming as ever. So is Rachel McAdams, who I always liked very much. She plays the only woman who outsmarted Holmes and we see that the mutual love for each other isn't gone. The ending was open, so a second movie is coming. I can't wait! To make a long story short, "Sherlock Holmes" is a fantastic movie with good acting, intriguing story and great music. Go see it, it's worthed.