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This isn’t the way I remember Robin Hood, or Sherwood Forest’s Merry Men for that matter, but the action, direction and admirable acting make for a good film. The only concerns I have are the length of the movie, the clouding of the original myth, and some jumpy camera work combined with distracting scenes that came out of nowhere. If you like a lot of action and enjoy Ridley Scott films (Gladiator, American Gangster and Black Hawk Down), then mount up and have a Merry old time.
This film brings history to life and explains how Robin became the legend. It starts by showing how the country has fallen because of the economical strain that was drawn from the crusades, its battles and other background that was not in the original story. It goes from there to how the character of Robin is born following the death of Robert of Loxley, and the beginning of Robin Longstride.
If I have confused you somewhat, don’t be, as the movie is just another heroic retelling of the man who loved his nation and king so much, he is willing to die for them. You may think as I do, that this is merely a prequel to the real Robin Hood story that I remember as a kid.
Russell Crowe gives a wonderful performance as the warrior who challenges the crown. But, that’s what Crowe does best. Always the champion whether it be a Gladiator (Gladiator), a powerful ship's captain (Master and Commander), a rugged cowboy (3:10 to Yuma), or a hardened detective (American Gangster), he makes each character believable and realistic. And with Robin Longstride, he keeps the persona going, creating the excitement needed to make this film good.
While director Ridley Scott does make his film more of a historical event than an adventure, he doesn’t shy away from keeping his main character a hero, arrow sharpshooter, Casanova and stealth warrior. If Scott does have a fault in this film, it is keeping his story on track.Â
There were some scenes that came out of nowhere, and didn’t seem to make sense, like Mark Strong playing the villain Godfrey who sets up the French against the English. To me the character really has no sense of why he wants to help the French, especially since he was a childhood friend of King John. I was also disappointed in him not using characters like Little John, Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck enough to get to know them like in other productions of the film.
I do love action, especially the kind that moves along at a fast clip. This includes some great battles, chase scenes, and culminates with a satisfying ending. Although Robin Hood does miss at the end, it was the ride I took getting there that made me like the film.
The film is rated PG 13 for violence, including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content. It also shows some gory scenes that could be a little too intense for youngsters. FINAL ANALYSIS: An epic action film that is more of a prequel than a remake. (John Delia, Jr. contributed to this review)
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