As safe, stately and entertaining as British period pieces can be, this latest take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective features one of the most realistic portrayals of the fictional icon. Ian McKellen does nothing unexpected and still creates a living, breathing, aged version of the sleuth, who in his twilight years is struggling with a weakening memory. 

With the help of a young apprentice (Milo Parker), Sherlock Holmes takes care of his bees and recovers some of his formerly impressive intellect. After a sojourn following The Twilight Saga, director Bill Condon seems much more at home with this more adult fare that will easily please older audiences drowning in summer blockbusters. Fans of Holmes and what could be titled the Helen Mirren genre will be pleasantly entertained for two hours.