Review of Robin Hood (2010) by Corey N — 23 Aug 2011

Despite Croweâ(TM)s facial posing for the slow-mo shots during the battle scenes, this film was extremely well cast. Blanchett is always fantastic and brings a more realistic Marion than seen before. Sheâ(TM)s hardened because sheâ(TM)s had to take care of her husbandâ(TM)s lands, her husbandâ(TM)s father, and fight away the disgusting Sheriff. Sheâ(TM)s truly a self-made woman! But newcomer Oscar Isaac is the true star of this film. He gives the typical villain character a depth rarely explored on screen (unless itâ(TM)s a movie specifically geared towards a villain). There are times when he shows Johnâ(TM)s heart and also where he shows his needs when seeking the attention and praise of his people. Prince John has watched his brother bankrupt the country for the crusades, and the country loves him. As he takes the throne, he is set on rebuilding his treasury through the people who supported his brother blindly. When John finally dives into a battle âlike Richard wouldâ? you can see a change in the character as he feels victory for himself, but when the people only praise Robin, he shows that vulnerable side of his character again which ultimately sculpts him into the countryâ(TM)s enemy. His character has the most depth and interest than any other on the screen. His chilling silence and brazen treachery are both performed to perfection.

The actor for Will Scarlet will have you going, where have I seen that guy. Well, let me answer your question, ER! He was my least favorite character on ER, but he is great in this role. All of Robinâ(TM)s side kicks are just the right measure of serious and silly. They add humor as well as some kick-butt elements to the battle scenes.

I loved the cinematography. This film proves you donâ(TM)t need constant CGI to create satisfying eye candy. The landscape was beautiful. It showed the dirt and age of the time. I loved seeing the broken monuments and weathered stone structures. The only thing I rolled my eyes at was the perfectly formed âwhite horseâ? in the side of the mountain. Too clean for the film.

At the conclusion of the film I was not sure what to think as it left off in an unexpected place. I think it was mis-named (only named such to draw fans of the legend in) and so altered my expectations of the film. Robin is never called Robin Hood until the end. But everything about this reinvention of the legend seemed to work great. Robinâ(TM)s fatherâ(TM)s origins were a little vague and unnecessary. The film was very long, and I think they tried to do too much with the mysterious father figure. There are many more levels to this story than previous Robin Hood remakes. Thereâ(TM)s a lot of court intrigue, treason, great battle scenes at the beginning and end of the film, some sprinkles of humor and, of course, romance (which was not too annoying). Though I occasionally got lost in the accent, overall I thought it was very well knitted together and all resolved to satisfaction in the end.