This mystery adventure contains elements of the "Indiana Jones" movies that came before it, as it was produced by Spielberg's Amblin. But it also was shot in the same location as the "Harry Potter" movies would be
starting 16 years later. The story is unrelated to the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, instead envisioning Sherlock as a teenager at a boarding school. He befriends Watson, and they investigate the local attacks
with blow-darts, which lead to hallucinations that cause the victims to kill themselves. These hallucinations use an inventive mix of practical effects, such as when a roast duck comes alive and pecks at a victim,
and early CGI, such as when a stained-glass knight in a chapel breaks free and attacks.
They receive clues leading to a secret agenda that I won't spoil, but it involves Ancient Egyptian tombs. In the process, they are targeted by a rival who is closer than they think. At one point, Watson himself has a hallucination,
and I like how it's personalized to his love of desserts, as stop-motion cakes and pies come alive and force themselves into his mouth. A lot of time is also spent at the school, demonstrating Sherlock's sleuthing abilities, much like
how Hogwarts is extensively explored in "Harry Potter". At times, there are moments that feel like repeats of "Temple of Doom", only tamer and less controversial. But otherwise, I really enjoyed this take on Sherlock Holmes.
Available on VHS, Betamax, LaserDisc, DVD, Blu-Ray, and UHD
Grade: B+