I liked this. Yes, it is dark, yes, the Holmes character is dark and has many issues, however, IF you read the original Sherlock Holmes, he was dark, had issues, drank too much, illicit drug use, sloppy, etc. So this movie does depict that Holmes, not the Holmes that Basil Rathborne?sp? of SH movies of the past depicted as perfectly coifed, mannered and tempered. Even the issues with his partner's fiance were in the original book. The actors did a good job portraying these two highly intelligent, flawed, human characters. My 20 yr old nephew and myself both had a good time watching this, as well as the full theatre of people watching with us. It was enjoyable, fun, dark, and entertaining isn't that what a movie is supposed to be?,