@eddiebinge reviews: Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2009 & 2011)
Eddie plays: Inspector Lestrade (IMDb link 1 & 2)
Unless you’ve lived under a rock most of your life, you’ll know of Sherlock Holmes. For those who’ve been under said rock: Holmes, the invention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is a highly intelligent private detective. Originally appearing in print, many adaptations of the original stories have popped up over the years. Guy Ritchie’s film adaptations, Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, both of which we’re reviewing here, are two of the best in our opinion.
You know the story. You know the dynamic duo of Holmes and Watson. You’re probably already aware how wonderful Robert Downey Junior is as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson. Bearing that in mind, this review is all about Eddie’s character, Inspector Lestrade, and how handsome wonderful he is. Sorry about that. We’re not sorry.
Ritchie’s Lestrade isn’t the bumbling fool from the original stories. Instead, he’s a stern, competent figure who doesn’t shy from booting criminals in the face or kicking his way into buildings. While appreciative of Holmes’ brilliance, Lestrade’s sarcastic back-and-forth with the detective clarifies he isn’t his biggest fan. Over several encounters in Sherlock Holmes, in which Lestrade gives Holmes access to crime scenes, bails him out of jail, and violently arrests him, the pair’s relationship grows from one of mere toleration to reluctant alliance. This unlikely friendship continues into A Game of Shadows, despite Lestrade being onscreen for barely a minute.
The best thing about Ritchie’s Lestrade, however, is that Eddie plays him. A born and bred East Ender, Eddie lends the inspector a blend of subtle charm and brusque straightforwardness. As fans of the Sherlock Holmes stories, we love Lestrade’s confidence in these films and consider this our favourite interpretation of the character. As the films are period pieces, Eddie also wears some 👌👌👌 costumes and looks pretty darn excellent.
Go watch these films if you haven’t already. They’re ace!
Favourite moment:
From Sherlock Holmes, we’ve chosen this adorable (somewhat bumbling!) little exchange:
From A Game of Shadows, our favourite moment is... Eddie’s appearance!
(He doesn’t get his tea 🙁)
Mr Ritchie, you need to hurry up and make the third film and ensure there’s LOTS of Lestrade in it! Thanks.
Cuteometer rating: [2]
We were considering setting fire to the cuteometer for this one because Eddie looks HOT as Lestrade! (Sorry to objectify you Eddie, but you do.) Below, in the bingo section, we can’t tick the “Take your top off” square but we don’t care -- Eddie takes hit HAT off in these films and that’s even better! Seriously, this is Eddie’s best hair ever and it’s a great shame it’s hidden beneath a hat most of the time.
While we’re here, we’d like to take a moment to complain about the lack of an Inspector Lestrade poster for the second film. Almost every other character had one, even Gladstone (the DOG!) and Lestrade didn’t. Unacceptable. Hollywood, take note.
Bingo score: [2/9]
☑ Cops & Robbers ☑ Fisty-cuffs
We couldn’t have “One scene cameo” for A Game of Shadows because --blink and you’ll miss him-- Lestrade also appears at Sherlock’s funeral (looking almost as sad as Watson, might we add). Despite one of his only lines in the film being a request for a cup of tea, he didn’t get one so we can’t award “A nice cuppa” either :-(
Our rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
These are must-watch films, even if A Game of Shadows is seriously lacking in Eddie. The performances, cinematography, costume and set design, soundtrack and special effects are top notch. Give them a try!
Where to watch: Amazon (DVD) | Amazon (Blu-ray) (Buy the Blu-ray. You NEED to see Lestrade in the highest definition humanly possible.)
