[7.25/10] Robin Hood (2010)

Robin Hood (2010)

Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" is set up as a sort of a prequel. There is very little 'robbing from the rich and giving to the poor' going on here. Instead what we get is an origin story. The film finishes with the stage finally being set for the Robin Hood story we are familiar with. And that's one of the reasons why I really enjoyed this movie. The script is convincingly packing the pre-legend of the all-known outlaw into a 140 minutes long film with enough time for its characters. Some light and funny scenes involving Father Tuck and the three fellows of Robin save the middle part of the film from drifting into a slow, boringish story development. One of film's best elements is the ingenious and long-delayed pairing of fellow Aussies Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, both almost universally acknowledged as two of the best actors of their generation. After seeing the film as it is, it is impossible to imagine anyone else in their roles. Their romantic chemistry does not so much sizzle as simmer, but the intoxicating yet subtle tension that exudes from each glance and word exchanged, fills their scenes with spirit and energy. The supporting cast all offered enjoyable performances, but it did feel too much was crammed into the 2 1/2 hour film, leaving some likable characters too little screen time. The mood of "Robin Hood" is one of dirt and grime, and the medieval setting itself is very grim. But it still looks glorious and there's always something happening to please the eye - there are numerous breathtaking shots of the sweeping English countryside or the tumultuous sea. Overall the movie is produced on a very large and epic scale. There is a bit of CGI going on, but it's so subtle you wouldn't even notice it. With 2010 version of Robin Hood, Ridley Scott and Russell Crow once again deliver an action-packed adventure that is filled with lush scenery, epic battle sequences and likable characters, wrapped neatly around the solid and quite believable origin story.

• My Rating: 7.25/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 44% (5.4/10)
• IMDb: 7.0/10