Robin Hood

Robin Hood 2010
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Brian Hegeland
Starring Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max Von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Danny Huston, Eileen Atkins, Mark Addy, Matthew Macfayden, Kevin Durand and Scott Grimes
There have been many incarnations of Robin Hood and this version directed by Ridley Scott is the latest one. I was surprised by how much I liked this film. It has what I feel is Crowe’s best performance since Gladiator and the film has the feel of Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven but this time he gets it right. The action sequences are amazing and I loved the camaraderie scenes between Robin and his band that brought a nice feeling of levity to the film. The film has beautiful cinematography and the editing used is top notch as well. The film has a strong overall storyline that never felt bogged down and an excellent cast that really immersed itself into the role. This is a fine period action film with some great action sequences peppered throughout.
The plot basics are this, After King Richard’s (Huston) death during the crusades archer Robin Longstride (Crowe) along with his band of men return to England and stop a theft of the king’s crown by Godfrey (Strong) and Robin makes a vow to bring it back to Prince John (Isaac). Along with the sword of Robin of Locksley. When he brings the sword back to Locksley’s home he agrees to p[portray the deceased landowner to help the people keep their land. Robin soon finds that he must defend these people from Godfrey who has wormed his way into the side of Prince John and is now waylaying villages left and right. This forces Robin to make a stand and face Godfrey once and for all.
This is a rousing film. Scott’s direction is magnificent and very epic in its scope. He handles the action sequences very well. The opening and climactic battle scenes are prime examples of this. He also handles the small character moments very well. The script does a good job of humanizing Robin and really making you side with him. Also, the relationship with Marion slowly builds which makes it all the more believable. The cast is excellent in the film. Crowe portrays a very strong and resourceful Robin. Blanchett is a strong and indomitable Marian as well. Sydow as always is strong here too. Strong makes a implacably evil villain too. While Isaac makes a Prince John you are unsure about until the very end. The action sequences are astounding and I especially loved the climactic battle scene. The score by Mark Streitenfeld is epic in its scope and very fitting for the film. All in all, this is a solid action film and well worth checking out.
This one gets 4 out of 5