ENOLA HOLMES 3

ENOLA HOLMES 3 is the third installment of the EH franchise and is based upon Nancy Springer’s ENOLA HOLMES MYSTERIES books. Like the first two, the plot is quirky, fast-talking, and highly adventurous. Enola continually breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience through the camera’s eye. It was a fun watch, but not quite as good as the first two.

The strength of ENOLA HOLMES 3 rests entirely on the main character portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown (STRANGER THINGS). Holmes seems to suit Brown exceedingly well. She plays the role with confidence, strength, and a bit of vulnerability. Brown gives audiences the necessary time to breathe through all the fantastical moments of suspending disbelief. In the end, we see her figure out any hidden clue while still coming up with a convoluted, crazy plan, all while wearing a dress that befits the time period. None of it is to be taken seriously. The only problem was that the scripts were better in the beginning of this Holmes family action journey, and even with this said, there still might be more coming in the future for this franchise.

The ensemble is terrific, featuring Helena Bonham Carter, Henry Cavill, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Louis Partridge, and Himesh Patel. Sherlock was not the guiding force as he was previously, but the relationship between brother and sister was delightfully explained and put into perspective. No spoilers from me. My lips are sealed.

I did enjoy the use of illustrations and sketches to get us from point A to B. It was brilliantly done and shortened several long, tedious travel scenes. Romance, kidnapping, and finding treasure were on the agenda. The time flew by until the very final second. ENOLA HOLMES 3 was entertaining. Even though the many twists and turns were not always totally surprising, the film is worthy of your time, especially if you love to solve mysterious tales from centuries ago in far-off lands.

It is streaming on Netflix.