It's elementary, my dear reader, that Robert Downey Jr. should get his shot at playing Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. The chameleonlike iron man continues to improve on what was already a good thing, crafting richer, deeper characterizations even with comic-book creations such as "Iron Man" and tour-de-farces like the faux-black actor in "Tropic Thunder."

Give me more.

It's a joy to watch a performer at the top of his game, and in the case of "Sherlock Holmes," it's the chance to see an icon playing an icon.

But rather than crafting the violin-playing, cocaine-injecting Baker Street sleuth as the stiff-upper Brit familiar from previous Holmes films, Downey told TV's "Entertainment Tonight" he will deliver an "adventurous and less formal" version of the brainy detective, involving him in "intense fight scenes" as well. (Reportedly, Downey's already suffered a "minor injury" in one, then received a few stitches and went back to the shoot.)

Guy Ritchie directs sparkly Rachel McAdams ("The Notebook," "Wedding Crashers") as Holmes' love interest, Irene Adler; and, in an interesting bit of casting, Jude Law as Dr. Watson.

Not unexpectedly, the story involves a plot to destroy England. Unexpectedly, the film may turn out to be a swashbuckler.

Details: Tentative release date is Nov. 30, from Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures. Reportedly based on Lionel Wigram's upcoming comic book "Sherlock Holmes."

We have a new look up! This one is thanks to Shinematt Designs. Enjoy!

Robert Downey, Jr.: Not too long ago, there was a feeling that the next major news story on Chaplin actor Robert Downey, Jr. would be a report of his death. Downey had made headlines for everything from prison sentences to crawling into a neighbor's bed, all due to an unhealthy appetite for drugs. The 43-year-old actor quietly cleaned up his act a little more than three years ago, and now his acting is making all the noise.

Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly making extravagant demands on the set of his new movie 'Sherlock Holmes'.

The star has been ordering runners to fetch him an array of luxury items, despite shooting in remote locations where conveniences are in short supply.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Robert had one crew member running around like a headless chicken trying to find a straw after he demanded one for his drink.

"The poor guy was stressing as they were in the middle of nowhere on an old dockyard, so there was hardly a store nearby."

The 43-year-old actor - who has enjoyed a successful career comeback following his stint in prison and rehab after a period of drug abuse - has also allegedly been bragging about his acting prowess.

The source added: "Robert has a habit of telling everyone how great his last scene was - just after he's filmed it."