The scrappiness (fighting spirit) comes into play when Holmes shows off (exhibits) his skills as an expert bare-knuckle (no boxing gloves) boxer and inventive street brawler (disorderly, unruly fighter) in several scenes that pit him against (find him confronted by) opponents nearly twice his size. The idea of investing Holmes with boxing prowess (bravery, ability, strength, especially in battle) comes straight from the pen of Sherlock Holmes’s creator, the author, athlete, spiritualist, and amateur detective Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The vulnerability (susceptibility to being hurt) is seen in his emotional dependence on his friend Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law, and his confusion when ensnared by the seductive Irene Adler, played by Rachel McAdams.

The humor comes occasionally from the repartee (quick, witty replies) between Holmes and Watson, but more often from the clever and eccentric way that Holmes extricates himself from the most dangerous predicaments, as when he hides himself from his enemy in the smoke of a fireplace and then launches himself out of the window of the Houses of Parliament into the River Thames. The first part of his anatomy that resurfaces is not his head, gasping for air, but his extended right hand holding the pipe he was anxious to keep dry.

Susan Wloszczynza of USA Today gives us a fascinating backstage look at the making of Sherlock Holmes, describing the conversion of a Brooklyn, NY, armory into a 19th-century English gentleman’s flat and revealing that both Downey and Law pored over (read or studied intently) Doyle’s writings to extract what they dubbed (called) Doyle-isms — characteristic expressions that would lend color and authenticity to the dialogue.

The language of the film, while occasionally formal in tone in keeping with the time period, is fairly straightforward and not too slang-heavy, making it a good choice for upper-intermediate to advanced-level speakers of English.

If you see the movie, leave a comment here telling us what you think!

Enjoy a personalized learning program, lively lessons focused on your needs, delicious and healthy meals, comfortable accomodations, and total English immersion from morning to night.

You might even like to take advantage of the season by skiing or snowboarding at the Camden Snow Bowl, just a 10-minute drive from Acadia Center. The Snow Bowl offers downhill skiing (with ocean views from the top of the mountain), snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing — and your lift ticket and equipment rental (and lessons too if you are a beginner) are free during Acadia Center excursions.

If winter sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry — you can stay warm in the cozy shops, cafes, and museums in the area, as well as the nearby fitness center, with its Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor track, gym, and excercise room — all free for Acadia Center students.

Take 5% off the course fee (not including accommodations) for winter courses. To receive the discount, register and pay the course fee deposit before January 1, 2010, for a course beginning before April 1, 2010. For new registrations only and not for customized courses. Write discount code W5 in the questions/comments line when registering.

This year’s theme is Literature of New Voices in America: Reflecting Cross-Cultural Experience. An extraordinary line-up of novelists, poets, and non-fiction writers from diverse cultures and ethnic experiences will participate in a three-hour program including presentations, readings, panel discussions, and a reception for the authors and participants at the Opera House.

There’s no better way to improve your English quickly than taking an English immersion course, and with new discounts for fall and winter courses at Acadia Center, there’s no better time to make the commitment to improving your English.

For combination (private/mini-group) courses and for private courses, we are now offering a discount of 10% off the course fee (not including accommodations). The discount is for new registrations only and does not apply to customized courses. To be eligible for the discount, you must register and pay the course fee deposit before November 21, 2009, and begin your course before February 1, 2010.

Couples and friends taking a course together are also eligible for an additional 5% discount off the course fee (not including accommodations).

To receive the discounted rate when you register, enter the appropriate discount code in the questions/comments section. For the 10% discount, enter code: FW10. For the couples/friends discount, enter code: TT5.

Take advantage of Acadia Center’s fall/winter course discount and the lower off-season airfares to immerse yourself in English — effectively and affordably – in a beautiful New England town!