I wouldn't necessarily say the film is under-rated but It's not in my opinion half as bad as some people have made it out to be, I think the problem was that some people wanted to see a more adult take on Holmes youth when all it was supposed to be was an affectionate family orientated spin on his younger years. Obviously they took some licence with the history of Holmes and Watson when they were teenagers but the film-makers acknowledged this at the very end of the film just before the end credits began to role. Apparently Holmes and Watson's did not first meet and become friends until they were full grown men and their first meeting was recounted in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. But never the less I quite liked it and took it was for what is was meant to be. Some hate the Indiana Jones style and more fantastical elements of the story and while it is admittedly a bit far fetched I suppose this was obviously so it might appeal to a young audience of children from possibly 7-12.
Nicholas Rowe made for a very convincing young Holmes while Alan Cox, son of Scots actor Brian Cox made for a good young friend, companion and to an extent comedic relief. Both had good chemistry together and I lied how they didn't portray Watson as being a total buffoon and that he was intelligent in his own right. After all he does eventually become a doctor. It is who who first realises that Eh-Tar is Rathe spelled backwards when Holmes himself hadn't and although it took him a while he eventually solved the riddle involving the polar bear at the end, plus if I remember correctly he also saves Holmes life in one segment of the film. Plus I almost found myself falling in love with Sophie Ward in this as well who was wonderful, sweet and kind as Elizabeth. I know if sounds as if I'm showering praise on this but it did have It's faults but I didn't think it was hald bad at all.
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