Robin Hood

Released May 14, 2010

Directed by Ridley Scott

Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Max von Sydow, Mark Addy, Oscar Isaac, Kevin Durand, Scott Grimes, Matthew Macfayden

First Viewing May 15, 2010

Robin - er - Roger – 3.5/5

Ah. The legend of Robin Hood. It is well known, and has been interpreted countless times. It’s a great story. A noble, skilled, and quick-witted man who steals from the rich and gives back to the poor, and brings people together at a time in England when there was so much division. The characters of Robin Hood have stood the test of time.

While there is no absolute proof that Robin Hood existed, there is also enough proof to suggest that he was more than legend. The historical facts surrounding the man Robin of Locksley have always been fuzzy, and that is the reason for the various explanations and interpretations of his identity.

I don’t believe Ridley Scott can make a bad movie. His take on Robin Hood is a good one, and the most believable one to date. The original angle that this movie has is that it seeks to tell the “truthful” version of events, and goes for realism above all else. It works.

I was hesitant to accept Russell Crowe as Robin, but he was thoughtful, collected, and passionate. The battle scenes are well done, and the movie does not suffer from lack of action (of course not – this is Ridley Scott, folks!)

The first half hour of the movie drags a bit. There are politics and battles, and Robin Longstride is a long way off from becoming Robin Hood. You just have to sit tight and realize that this movie approaches the legend from a historical point of view – and aims to explain how the whole thing came about, from the very beginning. While this means the movie tends to slow down in parts, it also means a very thorough and realistic tale.

Ridley Scott’s England at the turn of the century (1199 A.D.) is extremely grim and gritty – just like it no doubt was. Robin’s band of “merry men” are well chosen and well cast – and just as merry as ever. They are archers in King Richard’s army, and when they inadvertently come across the King’s escort being raided, Robin agrees to fulfill a dying soldier’s wish and bring his father’s sword home – to Nottingham. Enter the Big Connection. Enter Robin Longstride making his way to Locksley Manor and striking a deal with Sir Walter Locksley and his daughter-in-law, Marion. The romance and legend begin.

Robin Hood is exciting and epic. It does feel a bit too big for itself, which results in some slow parts and some rushed parts, alternately, but is well-done overall. The romance between Marion and Robin is mature and charming, and nobody can do historic battle sequences like Ridley Scott! It’s an enjoyable and surprisingly fresh take on a familiar tale.