Sherlock Holmes – Movie Review

Movie Title: Sherlock Holmes
Rating: PG-13
Director: Guy Ritchie
Staring: Robert Downey Jr.; Jude Law; Rachel McAdams; Mark Strong; Eddie Marsan
Category: Drama, Mystery/Suspense

Moms of Faith Rating: 5 out of 10

Intro: Normally, this type of movie would probably be near the bottom of my “got to see” list. However, I am a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan. I think he is extremely talented. So…of course, I had to see this film! Plus, my husband and teenager outnumbered me! LOL!

Review: This version of Sherlock Holmes was very well made as far as a period film, and from a technical standpoint. The movie also stood true to the mystery and suspense that this sort of story should exude.

I was impressed by the strong bond between Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law). It was awesome. A true friendship with all the highs and lows…yet a loyalty like none you see in life these days. This was an overwhelmingly positive side of the film in my opinion.

On the negative side: Unfortunately, there is a spiritual dark side of the film that involves the appearance of witchcraft and satan worship. However, other than the fact that there IS a group in the film, “Temple of the Four Orders” that are ultimately pagan, the film does not show any “real” ritual. As far as the acts that the “bad guy” is doing, they are all proven to be spoof…sort of like a Scooby Doo show.

Do not misunderstand though, it all appears very real in the film and I do not recommend it to young viewers, or to own…since it DOES have that element. I also think that the fact they have a group in the film (Temple of the Four Orders), which are actually based on a real pagan group…which is not a good thing. Plus,  much to my dismay, they portray most of the members as “decent versions” of the pagan society. It is all quite alarming and unhealthy. Witchcraft and all that it implies is BAD and strongly prohibited Biblically…to participate in, endorse or let alone use for entertainment purposes.

Our viewpoints and lifestyle should be measured by Biblical standards…NOT worldly…

A few Scriptures I found that I think are worth a read if you have become desensitized to this aspect of the world we live in.

• Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:6, 27
• Deut. 18:9-14
• Exodus 22:18
• 1 Samuel 15:23
• 2 Kings 17:13-18; 21:6
• Isaiah 8:19-20; 44:25
• Acts 8:9; 13:6; 17:11; 18-22
• Galatians 5:19-21
• 1 Timothy 4:1-2
• James 3:15
• Rev. 19:21; 21:8; 22:15

There are MANY more…LOL…but these should be helpful. I would also urge you to pray and ask God what He thinks about what you watch and allow in your life…and children’s lives.

I do not mean to seem “preachy” and never intended to go this route with the review…I guess God had another plan! LOL!

OK…back to review…

Sex and violence are another thing to watch for. Although the sexual content is not overly abundant, it is a factor.

There is also alcohol drinking and mild language.

Conclusion: In the end, I am sad to say I am unable to own or fully endorse the film. I will not lie and say there were not entertaining elements. However, overall, this version of Sherlock Holmes is best left on the shelf of a video store for this Christian Momma.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved