Review of Robin Hood (2010) by Joel S — 24 Nov 2013

I don't like it when a superb director, like Ridley Scott, is in his element, like epics, and has a mediocre script to work with. Scott's shot choices, color, composition and direction as well as a dynamite cast are continuously pulled down by under developed characters and a rather bland plot.

Putting the origin story of Robin Hood on the big screen is not easy and is well-deserved. But the script has no urgency, no real stakes. The closing credit sequence should have been the opening. The entire crusades segment is unnecessary and could be half the length at most.

Godfrey, while a good villain, should not be the main villain. Prince John's on the fence decisions is unhelpful. He should truly have a fall from grace throughout the film and become a real villain by the end.

Instead this is compressed into 5 seconds. Robin's father should play a way bigger part. Marion was given back story that didn't work and Max Von Sydow's character, while strong, needed more motivation, more depth.

Too many superfluous subplots and not a lot of real growth and conflict besides your everyday defend the innocent and destroy the oppressor that Ridley can dramatize so well. Sorry, Ridley, I hold you up to Gladiator, not Prometheus.

Marc Streitenfeld does literally scores again with a winning soundtrack.