Holmes & Watson Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two goofy guys in old-timey London bumble around trying to solve a case while making really weird jokes about bees, cats, and Queen Victoria, proving that even Sherlock Holmes can be ruined by a fart joke.

🍿 Holmes & Watson: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Early Years

The film opens in 1881 England where a young Sherlock Holmes meets John Watson. Watson is contemplating suicide, returning from the Afghan war with a broken leg and spirit. Watson is about to jump onto Holmes’ prized vegetable patch, but Holmes tries to discourage him, albeit clumsily.

The Case of Moriarty’s Capture

Years later, Holmes and Watson are renowned detectives in London. They are summoned to the trial of Professor James Moriarty. However, a package from Moriarty delays them. The package contains a mosquito, which Holmes believes carries a deadly plague, leading to a chaotic attempt to eliminate the perceived threat.

Birthday Party and a Deadly Threat

After the trial, Holmes and Watson attend a surprise birthday party for Holmes at Buckingham Palace. They discover a corpse hidden inside a birthday cake, along with a message from Moriarty threatening Queen Victoria’s life. The Queen tasks Holmes with stopping Moriarty.

The Tattoo Artist and a Double Cross

Holmes and Watson investigate a one-armed tattoo artist, Gustav Klinger, believing he is connected to the poisoning. They are confronted by Moriarty, who reveals it to be a trap. After capturing ‘Moriarty,’ they discover he is merely an imposter named Jacob Musgraves, hired to carry out Moriarty’s tasks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sherlock Holmes (Will Ferrell): A highly eccentric and narcissistic detective who often overlooks the contributions of his partner, Watson.
• Dr. Watson (John C. Reilly): Holmes’s loyal but often underappreciated partner, who longs for recognition and respect.
• Professor James Moriarty (Ralph Fiennes): A cunning criminal mastermind and Holmes’s nemesis, plotting elaborate schemes from behind the scenes.
• Mrs. Martha Hudson (Kelly Macdonald): Holmes and Watson’s seemingly innocent housekeeper who harbors a dark secret.
• Grace Hart (Rebecca Hall): An American doctor pioneering electric-shock therapy, who becomes a romantic interest for Watson.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Holmes: “A bit of morning cocaine always helps the brain.” – Holmes says this casually, reflecting his eccentric habits.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $42,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,573,626
• Worldwide Gross: $40,466,970

💥 Holmes & Watson Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie knowing it was gonna be bad, but I was still kind of hoping for some laughs since I love Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. But honestly, it was just painful. The jokes were so forced, and the plot was all over the place. I laughed like, maybe twice, and those were pity laughs. The worst part was that it felt like they were trying too hard to be funny, and it just didn’t work. I think I’ll stick to Step Brothers and Talladega Nights for my Ferrell/Reilly fix.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly’s comedic style”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick and absurd humor”
  • “Those looking for a light-hearted parody”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Some violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Holmes & Watson feels like a missed opportunity. Ferrell and Reilly try their best, but the script’s reliance on crude humor and anachronistic jokes falls flat, leaving the audience more bewildered than amused. Ultimately, it fails to deliver either as a parody or as a compelling comedy.
• IMDB: “The movie’s weak plot and reliance on slapstick feel out of sync with the essence of the characters. Although Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly share great on-screen chemistry, their talents are wasted in a movie that struggles to find its comedic footing.
• Metacritic: “Critics find this a catastrophic movie due to poor script and direction. The movie fails to create a positive viewing experience and is a comedy that fails to amuse.

Audience Reactions

Some found the movie’s absurdity hilarious, appreciating the silly, slapstick humor.: Those who enjoyed Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly’s previous collaborations were more likely to find the film entertaining.

Many viewers were left disappointed, feeling the movie failed to deliver on its comedic potential.: The humor fell flat for many, who criticized the film’s reliance on lowbrow gags and lack of wit.

Overall Consensus: The general consensus is that ‘Holmes & Watson’ is a poorly executed comedy that fails to capitalize on the comedic talents of its stars, leaving most viewers disappointed.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “After disastrous test screenings, Sony attempted to sell the film to Netflix, which declined.”
• “The film opens with a fake quote from a Hannah Montana episode.”
• “U.S. and international versions have different pre-title scenes showing how Holmes and Watson met as children. The US version shows Watson helping Holmes from bullies, while the international version shows Watson attempting suicide.”

🖥️ How to Watch Holmes & Watson?

Holmes & Watson is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite on-demand services. It’s also often available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Holmes & Watson, you might like these similar films:

• Step Brothers (2008): Also stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, known for their comedic chemistry and absurd humor, with a similar style of physical comedy and outlandish situations.
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006): Another Will Ferrell comedy with a similar brand of over-the-top humor and slapstick.
• The Pink Panther (2006): A comedic take on a famous detective, similar to the slapstick and silly humor of Holmes & Watson.

🛒 Holmes & Watson Related Products

• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection: A complete digital collection of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, perfect for fans who want to experience the original tales that inspired the movie.
• Funko Pop! Sherlock Holmes (Will Ferrell): A Funko Pop figurine featuring Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes from the movie, making it a unique collectible item for fans.
• Clue: Sherlock Holmes Edition Board Game: A Sherlock Holmes-themed version of the classic Clue board game, allowing players to solve mysteries in the style of the great detective.
• Limited Edition Holmes & Watson Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s original theatrical poster, great for framing and displaying as a conversation piece.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Just Won’t Stop” – performed by The Herbaliser

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The WORST Will Ferrell ‘Comedy’ – Holmes and Watson (2018)

Ever wondered if a Will Ferrell movie could actually be…bad? I Hate Everything breaks down why ‘Holmes and Watson’ might just be the worst comedy he’s ever made. Get ready for some serious roasting!

Moist Meter | Holmes and Watson

Curious to see how ‘Holmes and Watson’ fares on the ‘Moist Meter’? Penguinz0 delivers a hilarious verdict on whether this movie is wet or dry. Trust me, you’ll laugh!

Holmes and Watson reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want a serious, no-nonsense take on ‘Holmes and Watson’? Mark Kermode cuts through the fluff and gives his honest opinion. See if you agree with his expert verdict!

✨ Rate