Sherlock Holmes (2009)

V: I just want to remind you all that I was a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. long before Iron Man came about. College roommates? Back me up on this. So, I really enjoy a good suspense/mystery movie every now and then. I thought both Downey and Jude Law did a great job. The story was interesting. I thought it was a good romp. The Rachel McAdams character was just all right, for me. It felt like they were just trying to fit in a female character, affirmative action style. It could have been a better character. Apparently she was a super-thief, but then, oh dear, the girl got in "over her head," to quote from the movie. She was supposed to be Sherlock's equal. She didn't come off very experty to me. Anyway . . . I otherwise enjoyed it. Good fun. 3 1/2 stars.

M: Yea, I am with V on the McAdams' character. I didn't see the point, except to add a pretty face. Which I guess doesn't hurt. I mean, if you are going to have Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, it is, after all, only fair to throw something in for the guys. So, ok, I talked myself out of not liking her part. Otherwise though, the movie was just ok for me. I thought Jude Law really stole the show, taking Watson, a historically forgettable character, and making him really interesting and likable. Downey, as usual, was quirky and dark and good. Watson definitely should have died though in the big explosion he got caught in. No way he survived that. So, I was a bit annoyed with that. I am really torn. I definitely could go a bit higher, but I am going to have to give it 2 1/2 stars.

North & South, BBC

V: This is not the war mini-series. This is the love across cultural lines mini-series. And I really liked it. It's quite romantic, great leads, good chemistry, and all that. It's an interesting look at social differences and injustices. The characters are malleable and likable. It was addictive. Really well done. I had the teeniest of qualms with one scene - I would have preferred a quieter, humbler character than a rude one . . . but, I really enjoyed this, so . . . 4 stars.

M: Really good. Another great job by the BBC. Beautiful music. Beautifully made. Very real and intriguing characters. My qualm is that the hero is way to grumpy. Way to grumpy. It gets to the point that you are not convinced that he is redeemable. Still, it is a great show. I loved the mother, and the other characters, they were flawed, but real, and I liked that. I felt that the movie presented a very believable and compelling story. A great show to watch with your love. 3 1/2 stars.