Have Myself a Very Holmes Christmas

Sherlock Holmes. The mere mention of that name eclipses its maker, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Considered by some as the pivotal character in sleuth history of literature, even the twentieth-century greats such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers had quoted him as an inspiration. His creator had never pictured Holmes in a rather flattering light - he abused substances, mingled with the lesser class (considered as a taboo back then), took morbid interest in death and the like, and sometimes played the violin in a second-rate manner. Yet for all the faults that he so blatantly displayed, all that was so beautifully eclipsed by the sudden flashes of humanity in his character and, of course, his ability to deduce answers from a single glance. 


Then I learnt about Guy Ritchie's project, Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downing, Jr. as the titular character. I took deep breaths. This overtly violent director was going to grab Holmes, turn him upside down and shook the poor thing down to the last penny. The only thing I've seen from him was the Madonna videoclip 'What It Feels Like for A Girl' and little rest. The god of sleuthing pantheon was finally torn down from his pedestal, or so I thought.


When you're proven wrong for the right reasons, though, it's the greatest feeling ever. Sherlock Holmes as envisioned by Guy Ritchie was a brute force in the rather gentile yet secretive society of London. When the society wakes up, Holmes, played deliciously by Robert Downing. Jr, stays hidden in his darkened room, thinking of mundane things. Yet later on we saw the real reason why he abhorred society so much. The irresistible, all-English Jude Law was John Watson, who was the complete opposite - a true gentleman with the heart of gold, war veteran, and the marrying kind. His plans of marriage, however, is hampered by two things: his interest in crime and his mercurial friend.


Into this fray were thrown a secret society, women (one beautiful, one beguiling), Inspector Lestrade, illegal boxing ring, mechanical and chemical devices, The House of Lords, and a man with magical powers. So do they make an explosive mix or simply fizzle harmlessly? I do so give it a shining 4 out of five stars. The reasons?

SPOILERS MAY BE AHEAD!!!

YOU WERE WARNED!




There are three:

1. Some may say that Holmes did no such things in his adventures. I do believe that Holmes could have done anything that was pictured in the movie. After all, we could see this movie as the beginnings of his career, and Watson is still staying with him, and is yet to be married. As to his boxing career, I see no better way to defend and keep oneself fit than participating in illegal matches - and get side income while doing it.
2. The whole story rarely plods, and the little details that one see throughout the movies - dead frogs in a jar, a dead midget, and bones from different animals - they all make sense at the climax. Those whose attention diminishes at the first ten minutes may leave the theatre immediately because this is the essence of a detective story. You stay with the story from start to finish, hold onto any clues, and finally put them together. If you can't, then do leave so others may enjoy them more.
3. The actors. Ah, they play their parts wonderfully! Robert seems to enjoy his part immensely, while Jude becomes the embodiment of the proper English gentleman, even down to the hairy arms and mustache. And I am glad to note that not all of the smart lines are given to Holmes - Watson had his moments, too. 

The next time you see a man licking a stone, he may not be crazy. Till then, enjoy your Christmas and New Year holidays!

Steampunk: Reclaiming Tech for the Masses

Steampunk: Reclaiming Tech for the Masses

I just love the hat. Thanks to @gailcarriger!

Whitney and Toni

Mood:

I really love these two women. Their voices are unique and do I have to mention the power? The first time I heard of Whitney was of course from the world-famous soundtrack The Bodyguard 'I Will Always Love You'. How she sang that long note was anybody's guess (And I--------------- Will Always Love You------!). As for Toni Braxton, it was her first album with the wonderful 'Another Sad Love Song'. Both were at the peak of their careers before fate took them along for disturbing rides.

Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown. Enough said.

As for Toni, I still could not wrap my head around the fact that she had to declare bankruptcy after two successful albums. But then fate threw her another bone that I was happy for - she acted in Disney's broadway production of Beauty and the Beast, playing the role of Belle. 

Since then, though, both seemed to have recovered, which I was happy for, and look at them now! One had a standing ovation, the other had a new single out and it's burning off the charts. I wish them nothing but the best.

Let me tell you about: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Cover courtesy of Wikipedia

When I told friends that English was not my strongest subjects, let alone speak it properly during my schooldays, they stared back at me in disbelief. I really hated English, not because I am not a native speaker of the language, but rather because of the teacher. Bad experiences during my primary years led me to despise the language and subject altogether, subliminally vowing to myself that I'd never do well in the subject.

When I was in my Secondary years, the school library did not interest me much. I figured that the library would be no better than the primary school library, which never opened for as long as I could remember. One hot afternoon, however, I found myself unable to go home because my father was suddenly roped in by his office for some last minute problems, and I had nowhere else to go. It was either the canteen or the library. I chose the library - it was air-conditioned.

There I saw the above book. Mind you, I had no idea what it was until I started reading it, taking my time, and an hour later, I was inexorably stuck to the book. Even borrowed the librarian's dictionary to get me through. I ended up borrowing the book and as my father drove me home, talking about his day, all I could think of was when to continue reading the book.

I practically tore across the page, and when I finally got to the ending, it left me feeling like a fool - and I was officially hooked to Christie. I then went on to the rest of her masterpieces, and to anyone who's testing their waters with murder mystery, I highly recommend Murder in Mesopotamia.

Her language is so easy to understand, and even with all the British mannerisms, one - who is not a British - would easily understand the scene she was setting, the characters might as well have fallen off the book and started running around so effortlessly she made them, and the plot! Sometimes you'd be strung along for a real ride, only to have the carpet pulled out of your feet, but not without reason. And for someone who - I assumed - might be rather uptight with rules, she broke a few of her trades. Imagine turning her victim into a murderer! Or a seemingly wonderful ally into a cold-blooded murderer! And it was all done right under our noses!

I have the Dame to thank of. Her books made me want to write in simple manner that appeals to all.