As the opening screens appeared you got the feeling you were going to view one of the old classics. But there was nothing old about this retelling of legend.
Robin Longstride, played by Russell Crowe, is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. He must become something more than a simple archer to become the man he was always meant to be.
The Merry Men (Scott Grimes, Kevin Druand, Alan Doyle) follow him as his friend and brother in arms. The friendship these men share in real life is projected onto the big screen. You get a heartfelt sense that these men find it easy to laugh together.
The famous romance between the outlaw and the fair Maid Marion is present but taken to a new hight. Cate Blanchet plays a Marion with strength of heart, not the helpless Hanna we're used to seeing fall into Robin's arms breath taken. Blanchet's Marion is a woman who has come into her own after being left behind by her husband Robert Loxley to fight in the Crusades.
The supporting cast Mark Strong as the villainous Godfrey, Eileen Atkins as the elegant Elanor of Aquitaine, Mark Addy as a delightful light hearted Friar Tuck, Max Von Shadow as the brief father figure for Robin, Walter Loxley, William Hurt as William Marshall. The fair Lea Seydoux as the princess Isabella of Angouleme, who would become queen to Oscar Issac's King John. Each character delivers a rich performance pushing forward this legendary tale.
Beyond the players and plot Sir Ridley Scott gives you a visual feast of lush forests and epic battle scenes. Every backdrop a character in it's own right.
The closest theater to me is 27 miles and I really don't like being in big crowds. From the moment this film was announced in production I knew I had to be there opening day. I wasn't disappointed. Robin Hood is a two hour and thirty-five minute adventure worth taking.
Recent Comments