After spending all night getting Christmas cards done, we were pretty wiped out. But even then there was the Colbert Report's final episode and a few other distractions before we got to Holmes. So we chose this short film, all of 7 minutes long, for our Holmes for the Holidays entry of the evening.
It is a bit of a mixed bag. I should start by pointing out that the estimated budget on IMDb is merely £20 , although that is most likely low as this was sponsored through Indiegogo. It is a sepia-toned silent film and, for the most part is quite clever. The soundtrack is good, the cast are fun all is great...save for the most important thing, Sherlock Holmes.
Edward Daw puts in the most unlikeable performance of Holmes since Anthony D.P. Mann in Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers. Daw's Holmes is incredibly young (especially when compared to Watson, brilliantly pulled off by David Forde) and, bluntly, beyond stupid. He's played as a complete imbecile which was just too far to totally enjoy this short. Indeed, it was the ONLY thing about the Stolen Emerald that Jen and I didn't like. However, as opposed to Anthony D.P. Mann's horrid attempt at self aggrandizement, Daw is playing the role (presumably) as the writer/director wanted him to. So, we don't hold this horrid Holmes against young Edward Daw, an actor can transcend bad writing, but only to a point. In a silent film, that is even more difficult.
It is most unfortunate as the totally over the top Holmes detracts from the rest of what is a decently done comedic piece. It is still worth watching, the rest of the short film is well done and pretty tight. Just be prepared to really cringe at the writer's attempt at a comedic Holmes.
It is a bit of a mixed bag. I should start by pointing out that the estimated budget on IMDb is merely £20 , although that is most likely low as this was sponsored through Indiegogo. It is a sepia-toned silent film and, for the most part is quite clever. The soundtrack is good, the cast are fun all is great...save for the most important thing, Sherlock Holmes.
Edward Daw puts in the most unlikeable performance of Holmes since Anthony D.P. Mann in Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers. Daw's Holmes is incredibly young (especially when compared to Watson, brilliantly pulled off by David Forde) and, bluntly, beyond stupid. He's played as a complete imbecile which was just too far to totally enjoy this short. Indeed, it was the ONLY thing about the Stolen Emerald that Jen and I didn't like. However, as opposed to Anthony D.P. Mann's horrid attempt at self aggrandizement, Daw is playing the role (presumably) as the writer/director wanted him to. So, we don't hold this horrid Holmes against young Edward Daw, an actor can transcend bad writing, but only to a point. In a silent film, that is even more difficult.
It is most unfortunate as the totally over the top Holmes detracts from the rest of what is a decently done comedic piece. It is still worth watching, the rest of the short film is well done and pretty tight. Just be prepared to really cringe at the writer's attempt at a comedic Holmes.