Zero Effect - B+

Quick Hit: Frequently hilarious, this retelling of classic Sherlock Holmes seems like a precursor to BBC’s Sherlock.

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most adapted men in literature. He’s found himself on television numerous times, in countless adaptations (there are at least two right now in Sherlock and the severely underrated Elementary), and the movies haven’t shied away either, with famed folks like Robert ​Downey Jr. (remember those movies?) and Sir Ian Mckellen having played him in recent years. However, more telling of the famous detective’s stature is when he is adapted, but by 

a different name. Often times we gloss over the similarities between say, Sherlock Holmes and Monk, but it’s impossible to miss once you realize it. House is Sherlock in the medical field. It’s a near constant in television cop dramas – the detective that’s a little strange that sees things that others miss, performing amazing feats with his eidetic (sound a bit like Spencer Reed from Criminal Minds anyone?).

However, I don’t know if I’ve ever quite seen a Holmesian/Watson/Adler adaptation quite like this one. Zero Effect stars Bill Pullman (Independence Day, Spaceballs) as Daryl Zero, a renowned reclusive detective who often solves crimes without even leaving his home (conveniently locked by a door with six locks). He communicates to the outside world mainly with his lackey, (Watson) Arlo (Ben Stiller). Arlo both hates and loves Zero, because he admires what he can do – but the expasapretion that is caused by working for a man as needy as zero is apparent. He spends the movie consistently threatening to go his own way.

Sherlock's hair never looked quite this good though.

After Zero is hired to investigate a blackmailing, he tails his client in a variety of disguises, and the wonderful deduction of things he discovers is one of the best parts of the movie. The suaveness with which he delivers his lines set a precedent for those playing Sherlock in any adaptations forward, and I’d bet my hat that both Downey and Cumberbatch have seen this movie. However, it’s while at the gym, when paying attention to his client’s walking speed, he is blind-sided by Gloria Sullivan (Irene Adler stand-in) played by Kim Dickens. The interactions are odd and quirky, but often rather endearing.

Throughout the movie, the mystery deepens, and to say too much about the plot of the investigation would be to ruin some pretty extensive twists and red herrings. However, suffice it to say that Zero continues his experience with Gloria. You see, much like Irene Adler, Gloria understands Zero intuitively in the way that Zero understands everyone else. Despite claiming that he has “zero passion”, it’s evident that something lies there for Gloria. Dickens really comes alive as the movie hits its midpoint, to the point you are constantly wondering where the plot is going.

​Overall, I thought Zero Effect was a very good film. There are times that are a bit slower, and some of the side characters are poorly developed, and the final reveal may be a bit rushed. But, these criticisms are taking the film harder than is necessary. I’m going to give Zero Effect a “B+”.
 
For more on this film, check out IMDB.