I know what you’re thinking: good god, that interminable Robert Downey Jr./Guy Ritchie “Sherlock Holmes” franchise can’t still be a thing, can it? Well, the bad news is that it is. But the good news is that this is not that movie!
Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, “Holmes and Watson” is a comedic take on the famed detective duo (most takes on the pair merely qualify as droll, you see). It’s Ferrell and Reilly’s first pairing since 2008’s “Step Brothers,” which critics didn’t exactly embrace upon its release, but has since established a devout following (shout out to director Justin Kurzel for voting for the film in 2012’s Sight & Sound Poll). In retrospect, “Step Brothers” feels like the last great Ferrell comedy (though fans of “The Other Guys” can stake a valid claim as well)
READ MORE: The Essentials: Will Ferrell’s Best Films
The last ten years certainly haven’t been kind to Ferrell’s IMDB page. Once a groundbreaking comedic actor, disappointments like “Get Hard,” “Daddy’s Home,” and “The House” depict a clear downward trajectory into middling, sitcom-level humor. Reuniting with the immensely talented Reilly is promising; the fact that “Holmes and Watson” also reunites Ferrell with “Get Hard” director/co-writer Etan Cohen is less inspiring.
“Holmes and Watson” has been in various stages of development over the years and once was actually slated to team Ferrell with Sacha Baron Cohen. The Ferrell/Reilly pairing is certainly a safer bet, and the supporting cast, featuring Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Hall, and Hugh Laurie, is strong. I’m particularly excited to see Lauren Lapkus (“Crashing”) involved. The incredibly funny and likable Lapkus is deserving of a major breakthrough and perhaps a high-profile spot in “Holmes and Watson” will help her achieve it.
The official synopsis is about as in-depth as it needs to be:
“A comedic take on the famed literary characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they use their brilliant minds to solve a mystery..”
Also co-starring Rob Brydon and Kelly Macdonald, “Holmes and Watson” opens December 21st.
