Dir: Ridley Scott, US Action Drama, 140minutes; Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac Like a misfired arrow, from a terribly warped bow, 'Robin Hood', is as gratifying as recoil to bare wrists. Unfortunately, Ridley Scott falls so short of his target it may have been more worthwhile not loading the bow and leaving our beloved Robin of Loxley with Cary Elwes merry men in 'Robin Hood: Men In Tights (US 1993)'; tights, tights, tights!
A prequel to the well-known legend of Robin Hood, the film is severely lacking in mystery, character depth, and narrative excitement. In turn, what we are left with is a cinematographer’s porno, extremely well shot HD slow motion arrow releases - bravo John Mathieson, the cinematographer. Alas, the closest resemblance to former Scott masterpiece’s like 'Gladiator' is Crowe’s hair. Our favorite veteran director has resorted to moments of kitsch Hollywood tackiness and one liner’s that undeniably make a long film even longer. But peering through the story bog there are certain moments of filmic satisfaction, though one cannot help but long for greater things from such an established director.
Robin Longstride (Crowe) is our strongly willed grounded, commoner and hero. An orphan through circumstance, he is but a yeoman turned archer amongst the ranks of King Richard’s (Danny Huston) crusade against France. Upon word of the King’s death, Longstride opts to turn nomad (merry men included). Though whilst returning home to England they stumble upon the traitorous ambush of Sir Robin Loxley, who by chance is returning the King’s crown to London destined for Prince John (Oscar Isaac), Richard’s somewhat simple minded, greed driven, and naïve younger brother. True to his word, Longstride accepts Loxley’s dying wish to take the crown to London, and then return his sword to Nottingham, where Maid Marion (Blanchett) and father Sir Walter Loxley (a very notable Max von Sydow) reside – it seems Longstride may just have found his place in the world, now he must protect it!
Set in 12th century France/England, there is no denying Scott truly pays homage to the period in which his films are set allowing you to easily transcend into the story being unfolded. London is a small city on the Thames, brilliantly portrayed through computer generated effects and set design. This is handy as the majority of the first hour is based around Prince John and his royal antics leaving you truly questioning who the film is actually about - Longstride or John. Crowe is dull. He seems completely unenthusiastic to his role. Though this incidentally draws attention to his brigade of men (little John included) allowing a greater empathy for them than to Robin, who falls wayside the entire film. Unfortunately, Ridley did not consider Nottingham forest as a character like figure in the story; it had no elements of intrigue or mystery, and upon the concluding the film with an obvious sequel planned, you really can’t connect with this hooded forest outlaw whatsoever.
For such a mediocre film to open The Cannes Film Festival is a true disappointed, all in all, this film won’t be making an appearance in Ridley’s Oscar studded portfolio anytime soon.
If you can be bothered to see the full trailer - ROBIN HOOD
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