Director Ridley Scott and actor Russell Crowe reunite for their fifth big-screen outing, a retelling of the Robin Hood legend featuring the Gladiator star in the titular role. A bowman in the army of Richard Coeur de Lion, virtuous rogue Robin Hood rises from an unlikely background to become a hero to the impoverished people of Nottingham and lover to the beautiful Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett). Cyrus Voris, Ethan Reiff, and Brian Helgeland collaborate on the screenplay for a costume adventure produced by Brian Grazer (Frost/Nixon, American Gangster). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong.
Release Date: May 14, 2010
Rated PG-13 for violence, intense sequences of warfare and some sexual content
Runtime: 2 hr. 20 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
Ridley Scott’s oddly detached and overly serious Robin Hood is a film that should make for a thrilling experience but misses the mark. Scott’s direction feels heavy handed and while the action sequences are interesting and well executed but the political intrigue isn’t very intriguing. The script feels unfocused and seems to want to capture an epic scope with an intimate angle but it’s a choppy mix as best. Russell Crowe does well with his role but it’s almost impossible not to think of him as Maximus from Gladiator. His appearance and demeanor are all extremely similar but with a daddy issues here. Cate Blanchett is strong as a more self sufficient Lady Marion but her usual elegance comes off as detachment and the romantic subplot feels forced and lacks credibility. Max Von Sydow has fun in a supporting role and provides for an interesting if underused mentor to Crowe’s Robin. Kevin Durand, Scott Grimes and Alan Doyle should be more memorable as Robin’s merry men but they tend to blend into the background easily. Mark Strong who appears to be on a crusade to be a villain in every movie going forward isn’t asked to do much but look villainous and speak French occasionally. Him and Crowe are just destined to meet in the finale and they do during an impressive and incredibly complex medieval Saving Private Ryan-esc battle. Once the battle is over though the finale seems rushed which is odd considering the movie is nearly 2 and half hours long.
C+
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