Review: Robin Hood - almost

They should have called it "Robin Longstride", or "Robin Hood: Almost", or "Robin Hood the Prequel". In fact Russel Crowe didn't even play Robert of Loxley, he played the guy pretending to be Robert of Loxley.

Now I don't know the story all that well. From what I know of this legendary tale is mostly from what I've seen in previous movies, but I don't remember any Robin or Robert Longstride. It actually got confusing because characters who thought he was Robert of Loxley are calling him Robin. Or maybe the British accent confused me into hearing Robert or Robin, I don't know.

Ridley Scott took this new Robin Hood in a different direction then I was used to by essentially setting up the Movie for a sequel (if it makes enough money). Scott tells the story before the legend begins. In fact, they fade out the film with a "And so the legend Begins".

What bothered me about the movie was that the Trailer for the film suggests that we are going to see the story of Robin Hood. The trailer shows shots of King John declaring Robin Hood an outlaw, and shots of the magistrate putting up a poster declaring Robin Hood an outlaw etc. But the film itself had very little to do with Robin being an outlaw.. Yet. I Think Russel Crowe shoots a total of 4 arrows in the movie on top of that.

Ok, so whatever the film took place before the legend of Robin Hood, I'll run with it. So then indicate that its a prequel instead of making us expect the actual tale. However, if Scott is attempting to properly tell the story, then doing it over 2 or 3 films is a good way to both make money and tell the story in detail.

The film introduces us to the principle characters. Cate Blanchett plays the lady Maid Marian, where she plays the strong willed noble woman who takes care of the people on her lands while her husband Robert Loxley is gone. There's King John played by Oscar Isaac who delivers a particularly douchebaggy and callous King. King John succeeds his much more nobler King Richard The Lionheart played by Danny Huston.

There's Robin's Merry Men, Little John played by Kevin Durand. Will Scarlet played by Scott Grimes (who you would know from the Band of Brothers HBO series) and Friar Tuck played by Mark Addy. William Hurt is also in the film as William Marshal, a nobleman who serves the Crown as a trusted adviser. Mark Strong also plays the badguy Godfrey who clearly doesn't believe in God.

I mention the cast because its a pretty good cast and everyone plays their role well. What I didn't like, which you already see in the trailer is Maid Marian going into battle like she knows what she's doing. This is a period piece, and like all period pieces they should try and stay true to the period. That being said, in no way would you EVER see a woman, especially of noble birth be allowed to go into battle, nor would she even try with her little amount of training (Although Marian did shoot a lit arrow at some thieves in the beginning). Poppers weren't even allowed to be anything more then foot soldiers let alone women allowed in the army to battle. Not to mention (Robin and Marian) kissing on the battlefield is just ridiculous. Maybe they should pay attention to the ENEMY at their backs before making out on beach soaked in blood. But that's just me.

Special mention to the film's set design and costumes, which looked pretty authentic. In fact most of that weapons and costumes looked flawless and would take a history major of the feudal period to be able to tell the difference.

Overall I'm still left with mixed feelings about the film. I liked some parts and but the battle scene at the end was just... unlikely. I wish I could explain why but I can't without essentially telling you the ending.

3/5 Xombie Heads