Elementary, My Dear Russell

MaryAnn Johanson,  Apr 02, 2007

Russell Crowe as the world's first consulting detective? I dunno ... I think I like the idea, and not just cuz I'm still madly in love with Crowe even after he threw a phone at that poor guy. I can admit when he's poorly cast -- *cough* A Good Year *cough* -- so I don't think I've got any fangirl blinders on in this case.

Listen: Starpulse is quoting the British press and saying Crowe is being tapped to play a more robust Sherlock Holmes than we're used to seeing:

Unlike previous films this one is going to focus more on Holmes' physical attributes, including his talent for bare-knuckle and sword fighting, which were both mentioned in the original books.

That sounds really cool. In fact, that sounds like a reset on the order of last year's Casino Royale, which worked so fantastically well. I can see it now: Watson asks Holmes whether something is "elementary," and Holmes replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?"

Which prompts the next question: Who will play Watson? How 'bout a woman? That'd really shake up the premise. Maybe Kate Winslet. With Judi Dench as a stern Mrs. Hudson. And Hugh Jackman as Inspector LeStrade. And Michael Sheen (you know, Tony Blair in The Queen) as Moriarty.

Now I'm really psyched! When is this gonna be released?

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MaryAnn Johanson
author of The Totally Geeky Guide to The Princess Bride
minder of FlickFilosopher.com