Robin Hood

Big Budget Take is Worth Every Dollar

Over the years there have been many versions of this classic story, some animated, some with guys in tights singing, but none quite like this. Director Ridly Scott has finally brought the world a film version of Robin Hood with a creative twist. This doesn't tell the story of the Robin Hood we know, but what happened before...how Robin of Longfellow became Robin Hood.

The story begins in England, Robin Longfellow (skillfully portrayed by Russell Crow) is an ordinary English soldier, fighting beside King Richard in the great crusade. When the King is stuck dead by a renegade arrow, Robin and a few friends try to escape and bring his crown back to England. Before they can do so however, they encounter a dying soldier known as Robin of Locksly who begs them to bring his sword back to England, to his father. Robin vows to do this, but upon returning to their native shores, he is shocked by Prince John's cruelty. Not willing to take it, he assumes the identity of Robin of Locksly and begins romancing his widow, Maid Marian (Cate Blanchett) all the while gathering allies and keeping one step ahead of corrupt Prince John. The show is stolen by Mark Strong who portrays the Sheriff of Nottingham, even outdoing Alan Rickman's performance of years ago. This isn't your traditional Robin Hood flick, so don't go expecting that, but is remarkable well written and acted. Anyone in the mood for a good time should certainly give this a shot.

5 Stars