Movie Review: Robin Hood

Synopsis: In 13th century England, Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power.

Despite fantastic cinematography, a good screenplay and great acting by Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt and others, I felt this was missing something. I guess maybe it's just that the story has been told so many times and everybody is so familiar with all the characters and such so you know exactly where it's going, which takes away any suspense. In the big final battle scene, you know who's going to win and who's not going to die, so you just sort of watch it happen.

This is a slightly revised version and it mostly takes place before the legendary Robin Hood we all know is "born" so it is a bit different, sort of an origin story. There's no robbing the rich to give to the poor here, and in fact I'm not sure why it's even called Robin Hood as that moniker doesn't even come around until the very end.

The film's strength though is that it looks great. The sets and costumes and cinematography are fantastic throughout. It really feels like the old English countryside (I guess, hell I haven't been there nor can I travel time). There's also a lot of detail and the film feels pretty heavy, so don't expect a whimsical merry men movie. Perhaps it drags a bit due to this at times.

Overall a good movie with a lot of excitement and good action, but not a great movie by any means. It's definitely no Gladiator.

7/10