Young Sherlock Holmes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Teen Sherlock solves murders committed by a vengeful Egyptian cult while navigating boarding school drama and inventing the scientific method, all before inventing being Sherlock Holmes.

🍿 Young Sherlock Holmes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting at Brompton Academy

In Victorian London, John Watson arrives at Brompton Academy and quickly befriends the brilliant Sherlock Holmes. Holmes astonishes Watson (and annoys his rival, Dudley) with his deductive abilities. Their initial camaraderie forms amidst the backdrop of the prestigious boarding school.

Mysterious Deaths and Hallucinations

A series of bizarre deaths plague London, each victim experiencing terrifying hallucinations before their demise. Holmes notices a connection between the victims. He suspects foul play, dismissed by Inspector Lestrade. The deaths are linked to a strange blowpipe and a hallucinogenic poison.

Uncovering the Rame Tep Cult

Holmes, along with Watson and Elizabeth Hardy, investigate the murders after Holmes is wrongly expelled. They uncover a secret Egyptian cult called Rame Tep, utilizing hallucinogenic thorns as weapons. The trio infiltrates a hidden temple, interrupting a sacrificial ceremony and narrowly escaping after being exposed to the poison.

The Truth Revealed

Holmes deduces that Professor Rathe, his fencing instructor, is the cult leader, Eh-Tar, seeking revenge for injustices in Egypt. Rathe and his sister, Mrs. Dribb, kidnap Elizabeth. Holmes and Watson pursue them, leading to a confrontation at the cult’s hideout. Using a flying machine created by Elizabeth’s uncle, they race to her rescue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sherlock Holmes (Nicholas Rowe): A brilliant and observant teenager who hones his deductive skills while investigating a series of bizarre murders.
• John Watson (Alan Cox): A loyal and supportive friend to Sherlock, assisting him in his investigations while providing a grounding perspective.
• Professor Rathe (Anthony Higgins): The fencing instructor who is secretly the vengeful leader of an Egyptian cult.
• Elizabeth Hardy (Sophie Ward): The intelligent and kind niece of Waxflatter and love interest to Holmes who becomes involved in the mystery.
• Rupert T. Waxflatter (Nigel Stock): An eccentric inventor and mentor to Holmes, whose research puts him in danger.
• Mrs. Dribb (Susan Fleetwood): The seemingly harmless school nurse, who is actually Rathe’s sister and accomplice in the cult’s vengeful plot.
• Chester Cragwitch (Freddie Jones): A former member of the archeological expedition tied to the ancient cult.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sherlock Holmes: “A great detective relies on perception, intelligence, and imagination.” – Holmes states this as his core philosophy on detective work.
• Sherlock Holmes: “The game is afoot!” – Holmes exclaims this iconic phrase when he’s about to start working on the case.
• John Watson: “Holmes, you are impossible.” – Said by Watson out of exasperation at Sherlock’s eccentric and extraordinary deductions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,739,575
• Worldwide Gross: $19,739,575

💥 Young Sherlock Holmes Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie as a kid! The idea of Sherlock Holmes as a teenager solving mysteries was so cool. The scene where Watson gets attacked by pastries in the graveyard was both hilarious and a little scary. The twist at the end with Moriarty was genius! This film made me a lifelong Sherlock Holmes fan. It’s a fun adventure that holds up surprisingly well.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sherlock Holmes”
  • “Viewers interested in Victorian mysteries”
  • “Fans of adventure films with a touch of fantasy”
  • “Those interested in early CGI and special effects”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Scary images/Hallucinations”
  • “Some thematic elements may be intense for younger viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Timeout: “Levinson blends mystery and action effectively, creating a charming origin story for the iconic duo. The special effects, though dated, add to the film’s unique atmosphere. A must-see for Holmes fans looking for a fresh perspective on the detective’s early years. The CGI knight scene alone is worth a watch!
• Common Sense Media: “While the plot may be slightly convoluted, the film’s themes of friendship and courage resonate. The special effects may seem a bit dated today, but they are still fun to watch. Overall, it’s a well-made movie that is enjoyable for older kids and adults alike.
• AllMovie: “This is a fine film that blends the world of Arthur Conan Doyle with that of adventure cinema. It’s filled with great action, mystery, and adventure. It’s a great film that may serve as a great starter to the world of Sherlock Holmes.

Audience Reactions

The special effects, especially the CGI knight, were groundbreaking for their time and still impress today.: Viewers praise the film’s unique blend of mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age elements.

The portrayal of the early friendship between Holmes and Watson is heartwarming and believable.: Many appreciate the film’s inventive take on how the iconic duo first met.

Overall Consensus: Young Sherlock Holmes is a fun, adventurous origin story that offers a fresh perspective on the iconic detective, enjoyed by both long-time fans and new audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Young Sherlock Holmes was the first theatrical movie to feature a completely CGI character: the knight emerging from the stained glass window.”
• “The special effects for the hallucination sequences were a mix of practical effects, stop-motion animation, and early CGI, pushing the boundaries of visual effects at the time.”
• “Chris Columbus, the screenwriter, drew inspiration from this film when writing the Harry Potter series, particularly in the boarding school setting and the dynamic between the main characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch Young Sherlock Holmes?

Currently, “Young Sherlock Holmes” can be streamed on Paramount+ and is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television availability as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Young Sherlock Holmes, you might like these similar films:

• The Goonies (1985): Features a group of young friends embarking on an adventurous treasure hunt, capturing a similar spirit of youthful adventure and mystery.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001): Set in a British boarding school, featuring young protagonists investigating mysteries with a blend of fantasy and adventure, mirroring the boarding school setting and mystery elements.
• National Treasure (2004): Features treasure hunting, mystery, and historical conspiracies. Appeals to viewers interested in adventure and puzzle-solving.

🛒 Young Sherlock Holmes Related Products

• Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection (Illustrated): This collection brings together all four novels and fifty-six short stories featuring the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. It’s a must-have for any fan looking to immerse themselves in the original stories and discover the origins of the characters.
• Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases: Step into Sherlock’s shoes and solve ten challenging cases in Victorian London. This immersive board game requires deduction, observation, and teamwork, making it perfect for groups of friends or family. It’s like living your own Sherlock Holmes adventure.
• Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments – PlayStation 4: Become the great detective himself in this immersive video game. Solve complex cases, interrogate suspects, and use your deduction skills to uncover the truth. With multiple endings and moral dilemmas, it offers a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of the detective genre.
• Sherlock Holmes Silhouette T-Shirt: Show your love for the world’s greatest detective with this stylish T-shirt featuring a classic Sherlock Holmes silhouette. Made from soft, comfortable cotton, it’s perfect for everyday wear and a subtle nod to your favorite detective.

🎧 Soundtrack

Young Sherlock Holmes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Bruce Broughton
• “Solving the Crime” – performed by Bruce Broughton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Not Like Other 80s Fantasy Movies | Top 10 Most Underrated Fantasy Movies

Ever wondered if ‘Young Sherlock Holmes’ gets the recognition it deserves? This video puts it in the context of other 80s fantasy flicks, arguing why it’s underrated. I definitely think it’s worth a re-watch after seeing this!

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