The thematic filming style mimicked the troubling progression of events as Blackwell is put on death’s row after Holmes captures him. Prior to his hanging, he demands to see Mr. Holmes as his final request, and the story rages forward from there.

Surprisingly funny, Robert Downy Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) performs a compelling re-enactment of the infamous detective and his eccentric personality. This movie was well put together and delves deep into a both cinematography masterpiece as well as a stunning presentation acting.

This movie is for anyone who enjoys a credible mystery filled with action and humor. It contains mild violence and shouldn’t be viewed by anyone under 13. Overall, this movie went beyond the ancient story, and revived it in a new and creative light.

This remake is actually worth seeing. Unlike most remakes, “Sherlock Holmes” was remade the right way. Holmes (Downey) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) make a great pair. Together, they bring a sense of fun to the story of the film. “Sherlock Holmes” is the right mixture of action and comic relief.

The movie is based on a story of murder and stealth. An evil murderer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), is on a mission to kill another girl just like he has done five times in the past. Holmes and Watson are then thrown into a case to capture Lord Blackwood and to end this scheme of murder and violence. They hit a few bumps on the way, but the story stays strong. No movie is complete without a love story, so Holmes is in a complicated battle of love with his lady of fantasy, Irene Adler (Jessica Alba).

Without Downey playing Holmes, this move wouldn’t be the same. He outshines everyone else in the cast with his performance in this movie. He is just the right mix of annoying, funny, smart, and weird. Downey portrays that character perfectly. Along with Downey, Law pulls off the perfect assistant. Holmes may annoy him but he is loyal throughout the movie, even if he feels like giving up.

Not only was the movie modern, but it also had a great vibe to it. Throughout the movie, viewers are kept interested by different elements including love, mystery, and fighting. There is never a dull moment in the adventures of Holmes and Watson.

I recommend this movie to anyone. It is enjoyable for male and female audiences and isn’t too vulgar or inappropriate for children. It’s fresh, fun, and has plenty of twists and excellent action moments.

Anna Hughes

The movie opens with Holmes pairing up with sidekick, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), to prevent the sinister Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) of committing another murder. The pair gets their man, and he is sentenced to death. Blackwood is gone. Or is he?

Before Blackwood faced the hangman’s noose, he used his last request to have a peculiar talk with Holmes. In this little chat, he stated that death was only the beginning.

The twists and turns only increase when the lovely Irene Adler, played wonderfully by Rachel McAdams, comes into the picture. Holmes’ previous lover, and obvious weakness, asks him to find someone. And so the journey begins.

Even though Watson had decided Blackwood was his last case with Holmes, he inevitably gets dragged in. It’s the power of the original “bromance.”

Downey and Law’s pairing works quite well, but the real magic happens when the focus is on Downey and McAdams. The quirky Holmes and seductive Adler somehow balance each other perfectly.

The humor is worthy of a few chuckles, but there is no point where you’ll burst into gut-busting laughter. I’m not complaining, though. The humor is appropriate for the story that is being told.

The only true complaint that I have is about the overuse of slow motion, especially in a certain explosion scene. It adds a layer of cheesiness that draws away from the film.

Overall, I’d say give this movie a try. I certainly enjoyed it.

Robert Downey Jr. portrays the unstoppable Sherlock Holmes, who, nearing the end of his career, is ready to retire forever from his investigative lifestyle.

In steps Lord Blackwood, played by Mark Strong.  Resurrected from the grave, Lord Blackwood is out for control over Parliament, using his skilled black magic that sent him to the gallows initially.  Sherlock and his medically-educated assistant Dr. John Watson, played by Jude Law, join forces once more to find out the true secret to this “black magic,” and send Lord Blackwood rightfully back to prison.

While the ending is a cliff-hanger, we can be assured that Robert Downey Jr. is going to return again for a sequel.

The film is a fast-paced suspense piece, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what is behind the next corner for Sherlock and Watson.  The violence of the film does not surpass that of Pirates of the Caribbean, so, parents, if your child saw Johnny Depp fight gallantly to regain control over the Black Pearl, they will no doubt be up for “Sherlock Holmes.”  It is a definite thriller with tones of sarcasm and humor to remove the edge when you are ready to explode.

Stan Makoski, 50, from Pittsburgh told us that his favorite restaurant was Fathead’s.  “They’ve got big mushroom double-decker cheeseburgers.  I could eat two of them.  It’s delicious,” said Makoski.

Pittsburgh resident Marilyn McAfee, 52, told us that her favorite restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh is the classic Primanti Bros. sandwich shop. “One of my favorites is Primanti Bros.  I like the Angus burger and anything with fries and coleslaw,” she said.

Michigan native Nathan McNeil, 28, recommended a classic Italian restaurant.  “DeBlasio’s tastes really good and it’s also reasonably priced.”

As I walked down sixth street of downtown Pittsburgh, I couldn’t help but notice the colossal amount of smokers standing in front of Heinz Hall, waiting for their show to begin.  It sparked a thought of how ignorant people were in terms of tobacco and its various uses throughout it’s history up to the past 30 or so years.

Rachel Perry, as most other smokers I ran into, stated, “Each person has the choice to smoke, and sadly I made the wrong one.  I would never recommend or even slightly suggest for someone to start, because I myself am trying to quit.”  Said similarly by Will Quiverich,  “I have been at it for 27 years and I am trying to quit.  Even though I still light up six or seven a day, I still feel like I have improved from where I was.”
Although the majority of opinions were pointing towards smoking being a bad habit, there were some that thought differently.  A young man, Cody Freeman of Cordon Bleu Culinary Institution said,

“People should be free to partake in whatever habits they feel are right for them.  I have been doing it for ten years or so and does it look like I care?”
The scariest part of it all is that what seems to be something people speak of so negatively is so readily available.

What truly brings this film to life is the brilliant portrayal of Holmes by the more-than-talented Robert Downey Jr. who correctly illustrates Holmes’ extreme investigative abilities and emphasizes his super intelligent character. The humorous, clutter-filled nature of Holmes is rightfully exaggerated as well as his ability to remain one step ahead of his foes.

Mark Strong, who stars as Holmes’ antagonist Lord Blackwood, gives a new name to the term villain. His character screams intimidating. He uses this, along with the element of fear, to attempt to take control of the townspeople of London and eventually the world. He shows no remorse for anyone, including his own flesh and blood, and could probably make a grown man cry with a mere dirty look.

The film itself has an exceptional atmosphere—putting a modernized feeling to old-fashioned 1891 London. The directing style has edge, but still manages to put classic carriages drawn by horses down the streets with ease. The film has an overall darkened, suspenseful feeling, using cool colors and moody lighting to set the tone.

The twists and turns of the plot take viewers to hidden passages and sewers beneath London’s roadways and puts the viewer in the true London underground. It has a grimy feeling without being downright disgusting and brings the viewer to a suspenseful final standpoint atop the still under-construction Tower Bridge.

The film purposely leaves the viewer with questions. Its worldwide gross of  nearly $517 million makes the future a bright one. The directors have decided to provide viewers with a sequel, “Sherlock Holmes 2,” which makes its debut in 2011. Case-reopened.

As the adventure unravels, Holmes and Dr. John Watson, played by Jude Law, are found battling the criminal and sorcerer Lord Blackwood. After finally putting Blackwood behind bars where he is later sentenced to death, Sherlock and Watson safely assume all of the trouble will stop. Lord Blackwood remarkably returns from the grave and the trouble begins once again.

Rachel McAdams, otherwise known from “The Notebook”, requests Sherlock’s help as Irene Adler in stopping Lord Blackwood from committing more crimes. In a tale of black magic, death, and surprises Sherlock Holmes, Watson, and Irene Adler uncover the mystery behind Lord Blackwood.

Although the plot was meant to be suspenseful, it was more confusing than anything else. The events moved from one to the next offering little time to understand the conflicts. The movie could have been improved with more time in between the transitions.

In addition, it was disorganized going back and forth between different, unalike topics. With more time put into organizing the scenes, the plot would have been easier to understand and pay attention to.

The character’s acting was not convincible. Sherlock Holme’s character was not realistic because Robert Downey Jr. seemed to try to hard to act clever and came off more as cocky. Watson or Jude Law seemed to be angry the entire movie, even during light-hearted scenes. Rachel McAdams seemed to try to be too mysterious during the movie causing mixed emotions in her acting.

Guy Ritchie, the director, was unsuccessful in directing Sherlock Holmes. The movie was boring, confusing, and disorganized. The actors and actresses tried to hard to really be their character. The movie would have been better if the plot was easier to understand and follow along.

The American Heart Association conducted a study that showed that 30 percent of high school students spend over three hours a day sitting in front of the television set.

A fitness testing program sponsored by Chrysler Fund Amateur Athletic Union that tracks fitness among almost 10 million people aged 6-17 came to the conclusion that children are getting slower in endurance running and weaker in general.

One business in Pittsburgh is attempting to get more people outside doing active things rather then sitting inside twiddling their thumbs in front of a PlayStation console.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. has created a family adventure program aimed at getting youth outside and inspiring interest in nature and outdoor recreation. Children can pick up an adventure journal at their local REI store or download and print out a journal from rei.com.

The website provides a detailed list of family-friendly hiking and biking trails for whichever state you click on. The links also provide driving directions and a list of things the family should bring. When the child finishes at least one outdoor activity, they can send in the tear-off postcard and they are then rewarded with a certificate of completion.

In addition to the journals and trails, REI offers family trips, free classes and events at their stores. A variety of checklists, tips and videos to help parents plan outings, such as campouts and day trips, are available also.

Groups such as Bike Pittsburgh and Kayak Pittsburgh are joining in the fight as well.

Bike Pittsburgh raises awareness about subjects such as public health and pollution and how biking can help. Riding bicycles keeps you in shape and reduces the pollution, congestion and use of oil. The company also works with local stakeholders to improve streets, bridges and trails to make bicycling safer.

In 2007, BikePGH developed a bike map that identifies the safest routes in the city. The most recent map before that had been published in 1992.

Advocacy for this program has sharply increased. In 2003, the organization had just 75   members. BikePGH is now pushing 1,200.
And all the work is paying off. The League of American Bicyclists recently recognized Pittsburgh as Bronze, meaning the commitment to bicycling is still in the beginning stages with room to grow. Notable steps are being made in the right direction.

Golden Triangle Bike Rental works with BikePGH.

The business has three locations currently up and running and will be opening a fourth soon. Storeowner Tom Demagall says that’s all the further he will be able to expand unless more trails are created.

The main location downtown has 70 bikes of all different types available for rental and about 200-300 are rented per week.

“Every year they get better,” Demagall says of the bike trails. “The more the city gets interested in outdoor stuff and improves the trails, the better business gets.”

Currently, a trail called the Great Allegheny Passage is a few miles from completion. The trail extends from Pittsburgh to Washington D. C. The final few miles from Duquesne to Pittsburgh are under construction.

On June 5, Paddle at the Point was held on the Allegheny River. An estimated 1,800 boats turned up to try to break the Guinness World Record for largest flotilla, which is made when people hold onto each other’s boats, connecting them all.

The official tally is yet to be determined, but it’s predicted that the record was broken that day. When the tally is complete, it will be sent for Guinness’ verification.

Kayak Pittsburgh has about 60 kayaks available to rent at its main location under the 6th Street Bridge. About 50 kayaks per day are rented during the week and a couple hundred on the weekend.

The company gets the word out about its business in the Venture Outdoors newsletter and radio, but they really spread the news via people.

“It’s all about word of mouth,” says Caroline Matys, an employee for Kayak Pittsburgh.

The Venture Outdoors Newsletter lets people know about programs and the level of difficulty of each. There are various categories ranging from obvious outdoor staples like hiking and fishing to activities to do with your dog and specialty things.

The specialty category varies from hikes ending with a wine and cheese tasting to hiking to points around Pittsburgh with the best view of the sunset.

Walls are Bad, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, promotes outdoor recreation exclusively for southwestern Pennsylvania. The program features more than 300 outdoor groups, destinations and activities.

Whether it’s biking, kayaking or hiking, Pittsburgh offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Historical objects from the modern and ancient basilicas of Saint Peter’s in Rome

On Oct. 2, the Heinz History Center will open a new exhibit titled “Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art.” Planning for 200 treasures and works of art, the Heinz History Center’s employees are excited to share this occasion with their community.

Heinz History Center, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, will be one of three museums getting the opportunity to host the Vatican exhibit over the next year.

“One of the reasons Pittsburgh was chosen is because of the large concentration of Catholics here,” says Anne Madarasz, Museum Division Director of Heinz History Center. “About 60 percent of the region’s population self-identifies themselves as Catholics, so there is a built-in audience for the exhibition. It’s also an exhibit on art and history, so they’re looking for a city like Pittsburgh that has those interests and those kinds of institutions.”

The Vatican exhibit travels for only a year at a time to three cities, and then goes back into storage for a year.

Heinz History Center’s special ties with the Vatican and the Pope made the museum an interesting choice.

Madarasz says Heinz History Center’s President Andy Masich has worked with the Vatican before. While associated with the Colorado Historical Society in Denver, Masich helped host the World Youth Day, and while the Pope visited they worked together to develop the Vatican exhibit.

“Because of that pre-existing relationship, they felt very confident with the Heinz History Center,” says Madarasz.

Michelangelo’s calipers that he used as a tool when he worked on the Sistine Chapel.

When the exhibit opens this fall, visitors can expect to see artwork and archeological artifacts from up to 2,000 years ago. Even a cast of Pope John Paul II’s hand will be on display and visitors are encouraged to touch them. To make this event even more special there will be items on display that have never left the Vatican before.

“You will see everything from the Renaissance paintings that you’d expect to see, sculptures by people like Michelangelo Buonarroti, some of the great artists, to letters, documents and Michelangelo’s calipers that he used as a tool when he worked on the Sistine Chapel will be in the exhibit,” says Madarasz. “There is also a whole section of the exhibit that deals with Christianity around the world.”

Not only does the exhibit highlight the City of Pittsburgh and the museum itself, this also offers an opportunity for the members of the Catholic Church to learn more about their religion.

“This is also a great chance for us to reach out to the larger region to build relationships,” says Madarasz. “We’ve worked with the Pittsburgh diocese since the beginning of planning this exhibit the last year and a half. It’s a great chance for us to build relationships with parishes, the schools, the people of the Pittsburgh diocese, but also people who appreciate the arts as well.”

The employees of the Heinz History Center hope this exhibit will bring people to the history center for the first time.

“For many people, we think this will probably be the first time they’ve visited the history center, so hopefully it gives us an audience for the future,” says Madarasz.

Though the exhibit doesn’t arrive in Pittsburgh for several months, people who are interested in learning more about the Vatican exhibit are encouraged to visit the Heinz History Center’s website, heinzhistorycenter.org. The website offers more information about the exhibit, as well as a picture slideshow of a number of items that are going to be features when they exhibit opens daily with extended hours during the holiday season.

A bronze Cast of the Hand of Pope John Paul II, which visitors are encouraged to touch during their visit

“There will be a separate ticket just for this,” says Madarasz. “Now, once you buy a ticket to the Vatican exhibit, it will include everything in the history center.”

Though the museum features traveling exhibits from time to time, this exhibit is considered one of the most anticipated collections to come to the Heinz History Center.

“This is huge for us,” says Madarasz. “This is a chance for us to share a great story.”

Heinz History Center

Hours: 10 a.m – 5 p.m daily with extended hours for the holidays

Availabilty and Admission: $20.00 admission with tickets available on Ticketmaster and Heinz History Center website

Address:
1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-454-6000