Review of Robin Hood (2010) by Robby L — 23 Nov 2013

Yeah Crowe's geographically challenged accent made the headlines, but that would be easy to overlook if the rest of the film were up to scratch. It's genuine attempt to tie in some actual history to the usual pure fantasy with nods to the Magna Carta and Richard the not-so-chivalrous are laudable, but the simple fun of romping about the woods and making a mockery of false justice has been replaced by an incredibly self-conscious heavy handed seriousness.

It's as if thee desire to do away with the ridiculous men's club (all one liners and belly laughs) has gone too far the other way, leaving one with a cast of protagonists as scowling and humourless as their enemy.

Most of all though it takes too long to get going. What made the original Robin Hood story (and indeed Gladiator) so good was the title character being wronged and setting off on a hunt for vengeance/justice in the opening scenes.

Here the word 'outlaw' isn't even pronounced until the last moment. Even so, Ridley Scott knows how to deliver a feast for the eyes and whilst it is a let-down from the 'Gladiator II' people were hoping for, it's a watchable one.