20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2015

6. Ian McKellen - Sherlock Holmes (Mr. Holmes)

Release Date: June 19 (UK), July 17 (US) The Movie: Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters, Kinsey) directs this adaptation of Mitch Cullin's novel A Slight Trick of the Mind, which deals with a 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes as his memory begins to fail him and he recounts his glory days while he still can. The Role: McKellen, of course, plays elderly Holmes, and it's tough to think of anyone better-suited for the role. The film screened to positive reviews at the Berlin Film Festival in February, with McKellen's performance receiving universal praise. Why It'll Define 2015: Sherlock Holmes has become a big deal again in the last few years, and far away from the slickness of the Guy Ritchie movies and the BBC series, it'll be refreshing to see a totally different take on the character. Plus, it'll be nice to see the actor taking on an iconic role that isn't a superhero or a master wizard.