Search - The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) on Blu-ray

SV S.
Reviewed on 1/29/2016...

The book this film is based on is a very enjoyable romp (especially the first half), but this film does not capture its best points well.

The first portion of the story is rushed, here, and does not have the suspense and serious tone that gives the book its gripping character. The acting is, frankly, poor in some cases, and Watson's accent (as well as Holmes's histrionics) as he narrated the opening scene had me laughing, which is completely the opposite of the intended reaction.

The location shots are beautiful, and certain scenes are thrilling (the one with the horses, despite its ridiculousness), but the poor writing and directing decisions made by the creators have left this film to stumble to its conclusion in an unfortunate fashion. It's just generally sloppily made; as one example, Holmes's hair was not even dyed black for filming. He is the only towheaded Holmes I have seen, and it irked me throughout the picture.

It was just entertaining enough that I made it to the end, but I would never watch it again. Read the book and leave the film be. Three stars.

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