"Downey's Holmes is at once more dissolute and more fit than previous incarnations. Holmes' canonical devotion to cocaine is here augmented by other drugs and a great deal of booze. Yet Holmes has the body of a lithe athlete, the skills of a gymnast and the pugilism of a world champion. He and Watson (who is, you recall, only a doctor, although one with clients who must be puzzled about his office hours) spring readily into action like Batman and Robin. … The Conan Doyle stories are still read, and probably always will be. Most readers get to at least a few. But among moviegoers on Christmas night (traditionally one of the busiest movie nights of the year), probably not so many. They will be unaware that this "Sherlock Holmes" is cheerfully revisionist. They will be entertained, and so was I. The great detective, who has survived so much, can certainly shrug off a few special effects."

"Holmes: Nothing more elusive than an obvious fact."

"Mary Morstan: He'd say it was worth the wound … I know you care about him as much as I do."

"Holmes: My mind rebels at stagnation; give me problems, give me work."

"Holmes: It makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on whom I can thoroughly rely."

"Holmes: Crime is common. Logic is rare."

"Holmes: It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Inevitably, one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."

"Holmes: Data, data, data, I cannot make bricks without clay."

"Holmes: The little details are by far the most important."

"Watson: You're not human!"

"Holmes: You have the grand gift of silence, Watson. It makes you quite invaluable as a companion."

"Mary Morstan: [to Holmes] Solve this … whatever it takes."

"Lord Coward: How terrible is wisdom, when it brings no profit to the wise."

"Tanner: Oh, you've found a sense of humor, Doctor! … If only just a sense."

"Cemetery Groundskeeper: I know what I saw! It was Blackwood. As clearly as I see you. And when the dead walk … the living will fill these coffins."

"Mrs. Hudson: Oh, he's killed the dog … again."

"[Holmes is reeling from the doctored wine she gave him] I told you to let it breathe. Can you taste the comet?"

"I've never been in over my head."

"I'm Irene Adler again."

"London's so bleak this time of year. Not that I'm pining for New Jersey, I prefer to travel in the winter."

"[About Irene] She followed you here, Holmes! You've led your lamb to slaughter."

"[Before he is to be executed] Death … is only the beginning."

"Beneath your mask of logic I sense a fragility. That worries me. Steel your mind, Holmes; or by the time you realize you made all of this possible, it'll be the last sane thought in your head."

"You and I are bound together on a journey that will twist the very fabric of nature."

"Holmes, you must widen your gaze."

"[On several occasions] You seem surprised."

"[After he and Mary come upon Holmes, who appears to have hanged himself in his rooms] Don't worry, dear- suicide's not in his repertoire, he's far too fond of himself for that."

"[After Holmes fires all ammo at Lord Blackwood] What was that about saving bullets?"

"[With a goon in a stranglehold] Relax … I'm a doctor."

"[About Irene] She loves an entrance, your muse."

"[Seeing Holmes has left his revolver behind] He's left it there on purpose."

"I've been going over my notes of our exploits over the past seven months. Would you like to hear my conclusions? … I am psychologically disturbed."

"What could she possibly need? An alibi? A beard? A human canoe. She could sit on your back and paddle you up the Thames."

"[About Irene] She was the only adversary who ever outsmarted you. Twice. Made a proper idiot out of you."

"[About an empty vial, to Holmes] You do know what you're drinking is meant for eye surgery?"

"[Holmes has been firing a gun in his room when Watson opens the door] Permission to enter the armory."

"[Final line] Case reopened."

"[At the end of the movie, when Holmes deciphers the true motive of the crime] There's nothing more elusive than an obvious fact."

"[To Blackwood] The devil's due a soul, I'd say."

"My journey took me somewhat further down the rabbit-hole than I'd intended and, though I dirtied my fluffy white tail, I've emerged … enlightened."

"[To Blackwood] What a busy afterlife you're having."

"[Wakes up naked with Adler having cuffed him spread-eagle to the bed with a pillow over his crotch. A maid comes in, sees him and shrieks] Madam, I need you to remain calm. And trust me, I'm a professional. Beneath this pillow lies the key to my release. [The maid runs out in disgust]"

"Watson, what have you done?"