Holmes & Watson

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 2018

1 hr. 30 min.

Comedy

Mystery & Thriller

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for Holmes & Watson: Trailer 1

List

10%

81 Reviews

Tomatometer

25%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson join forces to investigate a mysterious murder at Buckingham Palace. It seems like an open-and-shut case as all signs point to Professor James Moriarty, the criminal mastermind and longtime nemesis of the crime-solving duo. When new twists and clues begin to emerge, the world's greatest sleuth and his trusted assistant must now use their legendary wits and ingenious methods to catch the killer before the queen becomes the next victim.

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Critics Consensus

The lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson than does Holmes and Watson.

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Dana T

Quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen and I have always liked the Ferrell and Reily pairings in movies. From the terrible acting, nothing comedic about the movie, and an oddly timed musical part threw me off. Plus all of the President Trump bashing and references throughout made this move atrocious.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/17/24

Full Review

Jared M

One of the worst comedies I've ever watched. The issue is not the concept of a raunchy Sherlock Holmes parody. The problem is that every single scene ruins its joke at some point, if the joke had anything to ruin. The writing doesn't know which jokes are funny enough to riff on, or which ones should be quick. The cinematography doesn't know how to frame the physical comedy, to show the audience how funny the situation is. Neither Holmes nor Watson have enough consistent characterisation for their characters to set up/pay off jokes, they simply are/aren't whatever's convenient for the current scene. When the jokes get edgy, there is no consideration towards trying to make sure the audience is laughing instead of being grossed out, because as far as this film's concerned, it's the same thing. What really got me angry wasn't the jokes that were in the movie, so much as the jokes that weren't. They parody the Robert Downey Jr Sherlock stunts, going so far as to replicate the "discombobulate" scene step by step... Then DON'T discombobulate at the end?! Or have a scene where Sherlock poisons Watson to test a theory, but veer off into the poison having silly symptoms, instead of actually making a joke out of the scene's original good idea? The dialogue spends ten seconds a scene on the idea of parodying Sherlock Holmes before it gets bored to do something else, and does that so often, throws away so much good material for tired jokes, it feels like an insult against comedy. The extras should've revolted and taken charge of this movie, they were far funnier than anyone actually in charge of the thing.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/06/24

Full Review

Donnie K

Tragically unfunny. The concept of Ferrell and Reilly combining for a Holmes and Watson spoof is great on paper but you still need to attempt a story and structure.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/22/24

Full Review

Matthew A

This was simply put "CUTE". It was comical at points with modern references, but lacked the humor to the LOL point. You can watch this one to pass the time, but because of the subtle comedy, you will need to pay attention. I was barely worth the time investment! Watch for yourself, and let us all know your thoughts. - Matthew

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/07/24

Full Review

David W

I'm leaving this review score for my wife who absolutely loved this. I personally found it funny in patches but thought the great premise was largely wasted. Watch it and see what you think...

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

Melissa M

I am a Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact, I created and teach a program about Holmes, and have seen most of the Holmes movies that are out there. I'm a fan. I'm also a huge Will Ferrell fan. Homes and Watson is a perfect blend. It is not a parody of Holmes, nor is it a tribute. It is Will Ferrell and John Reilly having an absolute blast with the tropes of Holmes and they don't miss a trick. Are you expecting an homage to the detective? Don't. Are you expecting Will Ferrell and John Reilly in Step Brothers? Peurile humor? Low brow humor? You've come to the right place. I laughed through the whole thing the first time. I laughed the second time, and now several years later I'm giggling through it once again. It's hilarious. Don't give any credence to those who had no idea who Ferrell was before they came to this movie, or expected an approach that was reverent. It is irreverent. It is ir-everything, and I'm here for it. I wish - earnestly wish - folks loved this movie en masse. There are great lines scattered throughout, but pearl clutchers are not welcome. Here's a clue. The very first scene is meant to weed out anyone who shouldn't be here. Do you have the humor of a 12 year old boy? Then, welcome.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/28/23

Full Review

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Etan Cohen

Director

Will Ferrell

Sherlock Holmes

John C. Reilly

Dr. Watson

Rebecca Hall

Grace Hart

Rob Brydon

Inspector Lestrade

Steve Coogan

Gustav Klinger

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Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Kissing Ass

3:31

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - The Defendant Is a Wanker

3:55

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Morgue Love

3:19

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Selfie With the Queen

3:14

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Watson Saves the Day

3:05

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Not The Bees!

1:46

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - I Poisoned You

2:37

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Drunken Hijinks

2:30

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - The First Drunk Text

1:39

Holmes & Watson: Official Clip - Sick Bucket

1:46

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Holmes & Watson: Trailer 1

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Watching this feels like getting elbowed erratically in the ribs.

Feb 21, 2020

Full Review

Mark Kermode

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

It is indescribably bad.

Jan 16, 2019

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

All it's doing is, more feebly, what Robert Downey Jr. was doing ten years ago.

Jan 12, 2019

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

If you walk in late for Holmes & Watson, no worries. Rest assured the same three jokes will be repeated over and over for the entire 90 minutes.

Rated: 1/5

Aug 17, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The entire thing is embarrassing and difficult to endure.

Rated: 0.5/4

Mar 3, 2022

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

One of the worst films of 2018.

Rated: 1.0/4.0

Sep 10, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson join forces to investigate a mysterious murder at Buckingham Palace. It seems like an open-and-shut case as all signs point to Professor James Moriarty, the criminal mastermind and longtime nemesis of the crime-solving duo. When new twists and clues begin to emerge, the world's greatest sleuth and his trusted assistant must now use their legendary wits and ingenious methods to catch the killer before the queen becomes the next victim.

Director: Etan Cohen
Executive Producer: Chris Henchy, Jessica Elbaum, M. Riley, David Mimran, Jordan Schur
Screenwriter: Etan Cohen
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Gary Sanchez Productions, Mosaic
Rating: PG-13 (Drug References|Crude Sexual Material|Language|Some Violence)
Genre: Comedy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 26, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $30.5M
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS, Datasat
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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