"Robin Hood" hits the bullseye
The Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe reincarnation of Robin Hood actually ends just where
you might expect it start. You can take any story or character you've come to know, at least from previous films of the hooded vigilante, and throw them out the window.
Most notable is the fact that, while Crow and his buddies were archers in King Richard’s army, that is about the extent of the archery in the film. There are a few scenes, including a to-be-expected sweet shot to finish the film off, but Crowe is more into swordplay here. There is the implication that bow and arrow are more suitable for an outlaw, as a stealth weapon. Of course, Crowe doesn’t play an outlaw in this film, either.
But it is exactly seeing all these familiar characters in such a different light that makes this Robin Hood rehash so fun to watch. Robin Longstride, later to become Robin Loxley, has deserted the army after 10 years of war, searching for a new life; Prince John (Oscar Isaac) is mildly humorous with some admiral fight in him, who also possesses other endearing qualities, Marion Loxley (Cate Blanchett) is the formerly wealthy wife of a landowner, but now mostly a poor farmer; the Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen) is negligent - sniveling and without power; and Nottingham itself is an unknown city. Though Mark Strong, playing the villain Godfrey, does pay homage to its future fame, borrowing from Billy the Kid when he says, "I'll make the town famous."
The story takes us with Robin Longstride on his quest to return the sword of a fallen soldier to its owner, the soldier's father, Sir Walter Loxley of Nottingham. It is a fools quest, but Robin is entranced with the writing on the hilt of the sword, and desperate to understand the meaning from the mouth of the sword's owner. What awaits Robin in Nottingham, however, is a vision into his forgotten past, and a paved (though often blocked by many who wish him dead) road to his future.
Crowe is more of a scrapper in the film, not yet filling the boots of leader and outlaw. But seeing him working to that end, following the transition, makes the character relatable and enjoyable to watch.
While Strong offers a somewhat typical, overly evil and over the top bad guy, we don't really care much about him and his stagnant character. We're watching Prince John balance his desire for power with a desire to be a hero warrior and loved by his people. We're watching Friar Tuck (Mark Addy) begin crossing the line to aid the outlaws. We're watching the French invade England, Little John (Kevin Durand) find love and the formation of Robin's merry band of thieves.
Laid to rest are my fears that Crowe and director Ridley Scott were creating a medieval "Gladiator." Instead they created a "Batman Begins" type story for one of the most famous outlaws ever to live. 19th Century England will never be the same.
As long as you watched "Iron Man 2" last weekend, this is the only choice for you weekend trip to the theater. And you'd better see it soon, because this summer has so much more in store.
RATING: HOT (4.5 of 5)
"Robin Hood" is rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content. Running time 140 minutes.