Watch Young Sherlock Holmes

In 1985, the movie Young Sherlock Holmes hit the box office with a thrilling adventure story that captivated audiences of all ages. Directed by Barry Levinson, the film explores the early life of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes, long before he became the eccentric and brilliant detective we know today. Set in 1870s London, the movie opens with a young Sherlock Holmes (Nicholas Rowe) just starting his studies at an elite boarding school. Despite being ridiculed by his classmates for his unusual personality and superior intelligence, Holmes soon finds an unlikely ally in John Watson (Alan Cox), a student who may not be as smart as Holmes but possesses his own particular set of skills.

As the two young men get to know each other, they quickly find themselves drawn into a mysterious and dangerous adventure. It starts when the death of one of their teachers, Mr. Rizzoli, sparks a series of other strange deaths in London. At the same time, a rash of seemingly supernatural events sweeps the city, including an attack on a local wax museum by an animated Egyptian mummy.

But when Holmes and Watson start to investigate, they realize that there's more going on than meets the eye. They soon discover that Mr. Rizzoli was not just a teacher but also a member of a secret underground group called the Rame Tep, which practices a form of ancient Egyptian magic. And it seems that someone is using this magic to create a deadly revenge plot against the members of the Rame Tep.

Holmes and Watson work tirelessly to unravel the mystery, but they soon find themselves in over their heads. As they encounter more and more dangers, they must rely on their wits and their newfound friendship to survive. Along the way, they meet a young woman named Elizabeth Hardy (Sophie Ward), who also becomes embroiled in the plot and helps the two young men uncover the dark forces at work.

Throughout the film, Rowe's portrayal of a young Sherlock Holmes is captivating. His stoic demeanor and quick wit are already well developed, though he is far from the polished detective he will eventually become. Cox's Watson is also a treat, providing a grounded and sympathetic foil to Holmes's eccentric genius.

Despite being set more than a century ago, the plot of Young Sherlock Holmes is full of modern-day blockbuster action. The film contains all the elements of a classic adventure story, including car chases, explosions, and daring escapes. But this is balanced by the film's attention to detail and historical accuracy; the authentic costumes and careful set design transport the audience to another era.

One of the most notable aspects of Young Sherlock Holmes is its pioneering use of computer-generated imagery. Even today, the film's groundbreaking visual effects hold up remarkably well. The scene in which Holmes faces off against an army of hallucinatory pastries in particular is a standout, demonstrating the creativity and technical prowess that went into the film's many special effects.

The film is also notable for its haunting score, composed by Bruce Broughton. The music is full of lush, romantic themes that lend an air of mystery to the proceedings. This is especially true in the film's climactic sequence which takes place at a grand Rame Tep ceremony. The music adds a sense of grandeur to the already impressive production design and makes for a stunning finale.

In conclusion, Young Sherlock Holmes is a thrilling adventure story that should satisfy fans of detective stories and action movies alike. Its young cast bring the classic characters to life in a way that feels fresh and exciting, and the film's groundbreaking use of computer effects paved the way for many films to come. With its creative story, impressive visuals, and memorable score, Young Sherlock Holmes is a must-see for anyone looking for a good mystery or a fun adventure.

Young Sherlock Holmes is a 1985 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 65.