Fans of the Errol Flynn incarnation of Robin Hood might want to steer clear of this new rendition. Russell Crowe stars as the title character in the film, which is loosely a prequel to the commonly told Robin Hood storyline. Most of the familiar names are there with Little John, Friar Tuck, and the Sheriff of Nottingham but it’s definitely different than any other Robin Hood I’ve seen.
The story kept the comradery of the merry men with the intensity one would expect from a period film based during the crusades. Crowe is an actor who I always think won’t fit in his roles but like usual he did well. And what can be said of Mark Strong? He seems to be the go to villain these days and was more sinister in Robin Hood than he was in April’s release, Kick Ass.
Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Marion provides a depth that the character does not always have. Her support for Robin is at times unbelievable due to the strange identity crisis plotline but sometimes the viewer just has to go with it. The visually compelling fight sequences are strong enough that I think the rare moment of slow pacing is acceptable.
I am not that well educated on English folklore, but it seemed that the film was a prequel when it wanted to be and then dipped into the traditional timeline for some of the more exciting plot points. I’m all for re-imaginings but this combination has made a sequel seem questionable even though the ending almost begs for one.
Robin Hood was promoted as the new Gladiator but it was definitely more mainstream and acceptable to the masses. A lot of that had to do with the story. Robin Hood is probably more popular than the gruesomely bloody gladiators. Luckily, the Pg-13 rating let me know before hand that I didn’t need to bring my barf bag… although there were a few arrows through the neck in the film, and those are always fun. (8.3 out of 10)
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