Young Sherlock

Levinson, Barry. Young Sherlock. Paramount: 2003. ASIN: B0000AUHPC.

Plot Summary:
Some characters in literature have captured our imagination to the extent that we want to know more about them. Young Sherlock is not based on any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books, but simply on the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The movie is narrated sporadically by a young Watson. He is sent to a new school in London and his bed is next to Sherlock Holmes. Before Watson can introduce himself, Sherlock takes a long look and rattles off Watson's history by the process of deduction. Becoming friends quickly it is obvious that Sherlock Holmes as a teen has the gift of solving complex problems which doesn't endear him many people. A fellow student challenges Sherlock to a competition. This arrogant student, Dudley hides a trophy and gives Sherlock one hour to find it. The entire school turns out to watch Sherlock try and solve the 'crime'. True to form, Sherlock is successful and Dudley is resentful. Desperate to get back at Sherlock, Dudley sets him up and Sherlock is expelled for cheating. In the midst of the school happenings strange murders are happening in London. The incidents appear to be suicides, but Sherlock is convinced otherwise. As a teen Sherlock is not taken seriously as having the ability to help the police. Determined to solve the murders Sherlock and Watson work on their own catch the murderer.

Critical Evaluation:
Young Sherlock was directed by Rain Man director Barry Levinson and produced by the famous team of Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Marshall. The movie is well cast with Nathan Rowe as a serious and intense Young Sherlock. Alex Cox plays John Watson as the practical, sensible one trying to keep up with Sherlock. The setting is very believable with 19th century London carefully recreated. The mood is dark and brooding at times, yet retains the freshness of youth. The movie makes an effort to explain some of the mannerisms we associate with Sherlock Holmes. For example, the term, "Elementary my dear Watson," was a term used by Sherlock's mentor Mr. Waxflatter, the traditional hat associated with Sherlock was a gift from his mentor upon his death, the cloak a prize from the defeat of his first villain and the pipe a gift from Watson. Detective Lestrande is included in this tale. His irritation with Holmes begins because Holmes is a teenager and constantly points out murders and crimes that Lestange misses. It is fun to add some flesh and blood to these details. The music during the scene where Sherlock and Watson are running to save the damsel in distress sounds very much like music from the Indiana Jones movies. Sherlock is intelligent and gifted but mostly full of adventure and dangerous situations. This Sherlock Holmes does not disappoint.

Reader's Annotation:
Great literary characters stand the test of time.

Genre:
Mystery/Action

Talking Points:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Victorian England

Interest Age:
7th +

Why I Included This:
The collection needed a classic.