Reviewed by Kate Rodger
Russell Crowe has buffed up and leaned down for his foray into Nottingham.
He’s looking good, and he's back doing what Russ does so well, wielding a sword or two and bellowing inspirationally at his loyal soldiers at arms.
“Gladiator-in-Tights” anyone? This is certainly reminiscent of those heady days of Maximus Decimus Meridius, and no doubting Sir Ridley is keen to tap into that same passionate market.
Gladiator aside, perhaps the best way to view this new Robin Hood is as a prequel to the original story we know well. This is the rise, through the rose and fake blood-tinted lens of Hollywood, of Robin of Sherwood, before he was outlawed, and still serving his king.
Cate Blanchett dons Maid Marion’s robes, and there's more class on screen in the form of William Hurt and also Mark Strong, the new go-to guy for the role of Very Bad Man.
The story begins with our Robin Longstride fighting alongside King Richard in the crusades, until his fortunes dictate he must return to his homeland of England with a newly-found posse of Merry Men. Home isn’t what it used to be, taxes are gathered in a rather more vigorous manner than we get with the IRD, and Robin finds himself at war with all sorts of folk. Of course, feisty Marion has her part to play in his affections.
This is a far more earnest and serious Robin Hood, which in essence isn’t a bad thing. But disappointingly, while I don’t consider myself a bloodthirsty cinemagoer, watching a bloody battle unfold with nary a drop spilled lacks a certain credibility. A box office price worth paying for the “M” rating perhaps, but awards favourites Braveheart and Gladiator managed just fine on that front.
All up, it might pay to bear in mind my weakness for the "Unleash hell" of the aforementioned Gladiator, and please don’t behead me, but I even loved the hugely entertaining kitsch of the Costner/Freeman/Rickman Prince of Thieves. So no surprise that I found plenty to like with our new Robin Hood. I loved Crowe and Blanchett together, and while I don't see this Robin being nearly as enduring as his predecessors, it was still a good three and a half star watch.
Robin Hood
:: Director:Ridley Scott
:: Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and Mark Strong
:: Running Time: 128 mins
:: Rating: M – Violence and sexual references
:: Release Date: May 13, 2010
:: Trailer: Click here to wath the Robin Hood trailer
