Mr Holmes

[Angela]

Just seen a superb performance by Sir Ian McKellen as an elderly Sherlock Holmes. Although slow moving, the film mirrors the frail fog of poor memory, possible senility and failing health that his character is working through. His young protege who wants to learn more of Holmes's life and keep his bees is delightful. The pace of the film parallels with his struggle to remember his past and present. Stick with it and enjoy! A well-deserved 8/10 in my opinion.

[Noorjahapatel]

A little too slow for me. Maybe it is because I'm used to Robert Downey Junior. My friend was with me and thought it was very good though. I loved the young lad's performance.

[McG]

Saw this in a 80% full Glasgow last night. I initially disliked the moving backwards and forwards in time but then settled to watch this charming film. The story wandered along showing a 93 year old Sherlock who's mind is deteriorating with old age and probable dementia. Ian McKellen was a wonderful choice to play Mr Holmes and the wee boy was wonderful as his sidekick! The scenery and costumes were beautiful. I enjoyed this gentle film and liked how the confusion in Sherlock's mind is eventually settled for the audience by the stories all becoming clear. Worth a watch but certainly not a film with any rushing about.
Marks 7/10

[yogi]

A bit too slow for me as well.

Good performances all round and the relationship between Holmes and the lad was well played, but it seemed a bit slight and less than the sum of it's parts 5/10

[tonethestone]

Not keen at all,not so much the pace, just the story was uninteresting. Shame. 2/5.

[stuartboy]

Saw this for a second time today and enjoyed it much much more on a second view. It made so much more sense. I can only think that my attention must have wavered (dare I say snoozed) at the evening screening whereas today I was wide awake.
What a captivating performance by Ian McKellern that had you not seen him recently on TV or in Vicious you would be convinced that he is indeed 93.
The time-jumping over 30 years does take a little getting used to, but if followed it definitely makes sense.
Beautiful visuals and great acting by Milo Parker as his protege.

Rather amused to see (albeit microscopic) cameos by Miss Frances de la Jones and Philip Daniels, both of whom were also in Age of Kill together earlier in the week.

An easy 8/10 from me, having been nearer a 5 or 6 on first viewing when I can't have been in the mood/zone.

[Beate]

Greenwich PH was quite full this morning.

You have to stick with it, as it all comes together at the end. I must admit that I struggled to see the "case" behind a grieving mother who wants headstones for her lost babies from the start anyway, and it was interesting to see Holmes admit that his emotional intelligence had failed him here. Did anyone else think Laura Linney's English accent was unconvincing? I like her a lot but I am sure they could have found a British actress if they'd tried, for the authenticity of the story? The time-hopping was also a bit confusing but all in all it was a good film, and McKellen is excellent.

7.5/10

[ejwrank]

I was wondering if Laura Linney was cast because for some reason they had funding from New York State which seemed very odd to me (perhaps they are keen Sherlockers in NY???) which came up in the end credits. I also liked the film and was very glad I saw it though it was slow going at times.

[prettyxcool]

I was at a packed Clapham Picturehouse this morning and lovely to see jeanelle with her OH. It started on time with trailers etc, but then one person in our row and one in the row in front decided they needed to go to the loo, disturbing and blocking the view of everyone along the row. It was lucky the film was late starting.

A wonderful and intelligent story, but rather slow going at times for me too, but stick with it and it is a lovely film. Ian McKellan, brilliantly portrays the old retired Sherlock, struggling with memory and at a rather sad stage of his life. The boy was also very good as the precocious young boy, who he mentors. I thought the past and the present worked well. 7.5/10

[kevinknapman]

I was wondering if Laura Linney was cast because for some reason they had funding from New York State which seemed very odd to me (perhaps they are keen Sherlockers in NY???) which came up in the end credits.

She was in Kinsey which was also directed by Bill Condon (and also the pilot for the TV series The Big C), so it may have also been a matter of him wanting to work with her again.