Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape
Some violence, peril in animated mystery tale.
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Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape is a 2019 adventure in which Sherlock pursues a Robin Hood-esque criminal. Expect some violence, including fist fights resulting in a lost tooth and injury. During a car chase, one of the bad guys hits a cop with his car door. In imagined outcomes, Sherlock crosses train tracks and is struck and killed by an oncoming train. A gun is pointed at the back of the head of one of the characters. When Sherlock and Watson are surrounded by a group of would-be robbers, Sherlock escapes them by throwing powder in their faces. There's a kidnapping. There's some bodily function humor, including a snot bubble expanding and contracting from the nostril of one of the bad guys, and a scene in which Sherlock answers questions from a group of kids, one of whom asks why his poop either floats or sinks. Later, this kid wishes he could throw poop at Sherlock after Sherlock arrests his hero.
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What's the Story?
In SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE GREAT ESCAPE, Scotland Yard has been in hot pursuit of an elusive thief known as the "White Storm." After another robbery, Sherlock Holmes helps the oafish Gordon Gorilla Riller and Carlson Fox, who promptly arrest Mack, aka "White Storm," at his daughter's birthday party. As it turns out, Mack was a beloved figure in the East End of London as he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor to ensure that they had food and shelter. Sherlock becomes a reviled figure due to this arrest. Meanwhile, in prison, Mack gets into a fight with Scarface before Mack manages to escape the prison. Sherlock, once again, is in pursuit, but when he learns the reason Mack escaped, he agrees to let Mack fulfill this wish before he voluntarily returns to prison. However, Scarface has escaped, and kidnapped the one person Mack loves the most. Now, Sherlock and Mack must find a way to stop Scarface.
Is It Any Good?
This is a thoroughly enjoyable reimagining of one of the most iconic characters in the mystery genre. Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape presents plenty of brilliant deduction as Sherlock cracks the case, but the story finds more complexity in its reflections on good versus evil and rich versus poor in 19th century London. Sherlock isn't a conflicted hero like, say, Batman/Bruce Wayne, but he's someone who tries to do the right thing, but finds that sometimes doing the right thing is more than simply following the rules. It's not only a reworking of Sherlock Holmes, but a revisiting of the Robin Hood outlaw myth as well. Either way, it's a terrific movie for young mystery fans.
The animation is quite imaginative throughout. There are moments where the animators play with form and style, creating unexpected moments when there are already plenty of those. The acting and dialogue are also solid from beginning to end. It's a welcome addition not only for those who are familiar with the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but also for those who are experiencing them for the first time. The plot twists and turns never veer too far away from the central story, and this should prove to be an entertaining and engaging movie for families of tweens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mysteries such as Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape. How does this compare to other mysteries you've seen?
Have you seen or read other versions of classic stories involving Sherlock Holmes and Watson? How does this compare?
Was the violence necessary to the story, or did it seem gratuitous? Why?
Why do you think Sherlock Holmes continues to be such a popular character?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 1, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: March 23, 2021
- Cast: David Errigo Jr., Kevin M. Connolly, Matthew Chow
- Director: Toe Yuen
- Studio: All Rights Entertainment
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Book Characters
- Run time: 84 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 20, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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The Kid Detective
Dark whodunit comedy has a message; also drinking, drugs.
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Psych
Smart detective series more funny than graphic.
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Sherlock Holmes
Gritty, action-packed take on famous sleuth's adventures.
For kids who love mysteries
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