Robin Hood

“Robin Hood Robin Hood Riding through the glen with his band of men”
Robin Hood, PG-13, ***, Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Addy. Universal film, Director Ridley Scott. Length 135 minutes.
Director Ridley Scott has the courage to be creative by taking the legend of Robin Hood in a new direction. He starts with Robin Hood as a young warrior, so the audience gets a look at how it all begins. I commend him for this effort.
This “Robin Hood” does not take the easy road or use a story that has been told many times in the same way. By giving a history of Robin Hood, the viewer is able to make a connection as to why and how the charismatic archer started his journey.
The movie is sometimes slow, and some viewers may become bored. However, if this happens, just stay with it. The film will not become over bored. No pun intended.
After all, heroes usually have a reason as to why they are what they are. Now we have an idea about Robin Hood’s early life and his mind set.
The movie begins in Nottingham. Everyone has heard of Nottingham. It then moves to France where Richard The Lion Heart and his army are doing their part in the Crusade portion of history.
The audience meets Robin Hood (Russell Crowe), Little John (Kevin Durand), and others that will soon become part of Robin Hood’s band of merry men. They are fighting with Richard The Lion Heart. It is obvious the group is capable of warfare. After they have completed their daily chores of warrior duty, they have a knack for having fun.
I recall in one Robin Hood I watched many moons ago that Robin Hood and Little John met on a bridge. Neither one would give enough to allow the other to pass. So they fought on the bridge while both of them were using a staff. This time they fight over something else and with their fists.
As the movie progresses, the audience meets Maid Marian (Cate Blanchet), Friar Tuck (Mark Addy), Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow), William Marshall (William Hurt), Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen) and an assortment of other characters.
The individuals in the movie are much like a puzzle with many pieces. As the audience puts the parts in order and focuses on how the story comes together, the picture becomes clear. The plot is about over taxation, being invaded by another country, and fair treatment.
The movie has its lighter moments as Friar Tuck shares his mead, an alcoholic beverage which is made from honey, with some of Robin’s men. The audience will be entertained by comedic remarks along with strong action. It is a story of how the legend begins.
Robin Hood never gives up. He learns about his father, and why it is important to continue fighting for what is right and fair. The audience will see lots of fights and plenty of battles that will satisfy action junkies. It is interesting concept to see just how Robin Hood begins his plight to help people live in a fair and just society.
The movie sticks with the audience after leaving the theater. Making the viewers think about what they just saw and how it meshes together illustrating the beginning of a legend.
If it does well at the box office, we can expect more stories of Robin Hood. If this is something that the reader would like to view, take a journey into Sherwood Forest.