Robin Hood (2010, PG-13)

From the previews, this new redo of Robin Hood may look like a mix of Gladiator and Prince of Thieves.  In reality, Robin Hood is a much more accomplished effort in reliving the legend.

This is a more distinctive redo on the character of Robin Hood.  It explains how Robin got started and all, and so we aren’t left with watching the same story that everyone knows.  In exchange for that, this new Robin Hood won’t be much of as a classic.

The film starts just after the Crusades.  The English knights have been defeated by the Muslims and are fighting their way through France to get home.  The notable King Richard leads the English army in a final battle to get to England.  Meanwhile, his younger and ignorant brother, Prince John, is no Richard and sulks at home with his mistress like a spoiled brat.  Robin Longstride is a common archer in Richard’s army.  Richard is fatally wounded and dies in battle, so Longstride and his men choose to go back to England on their own. 

They come across ambushed and dead English soldiers.  Only one is still barely alive, Robert of Loxley.  Loxley has Robin promise to return his sword back to his father in Nottingham and to look after his widow, Marian (Cate Blanchett).  Robin agrees and assumes the identity of Loxley when he gets to Nottingham.  Though a resentful, headstrong Marian and Loxley’s blind, old father Walter (Max von Sydow) know of his true identity, the ploy works and he restores justice to Nottingham.  Meanwhile, John is crowned king and one of his soldiers, Godfrey, is secretly in league with the French, who want an invasion of England.  Godfrey stirs up unrest in England, prompting the English to go to civil war while the French attack and strike the fatal blow.  It ends up coming down to Robin to unite the English and take the battle to the French.    

Russell Crowe reteams with his traditional director, Ridley Scott.  Crowe gives a much more realistic portrayal of the hero turned outlaw.  Crowe is not miscast, but he’s just slightly too old (being in his mid 40s).  Blanchett is convincible as Marian.  Fortunately, these actors have English accents unlike the previous Prince of Thieves where everyone sported American accents.

The battle scenes are not visually stunning like in the Lord of the Rings and are also not memorable, but nevertheless at times well crafted.  In addition, I liked the overall authentic feel for the setting as the film gives a realistic look at life back then in England. 

Nevertheless, this Robin Hood is still not a movie that will be enjoyed by every person around.  It tends to get a little long and tiring in some scenes, and it takes concentrated attention to understand what’s going on. 

All in all, Robin Hood certainly fared better than I thought it originally would.  It’s a sensible medieval action-drama that is still boosted a little by some star power.  It also neatly paves way for a sequel, which can be more about the classic story that we know of.
                 *** ½/5