Robin Hood

This film has had a very long development process. There were many stories floating around about the various angles Ridley and Russell were taking in their version of this legend. I'd love to read some of the previous drafts.

The big problem with this this film is its title. When you call a film 'Robin Hood' the audience comes to expect certain things and while most of them are here, I think the film has failed to live up to its biggest expectation. That is we are going to see a sequel. For those who have not seen the film you may want to stop reading as there could be some spoilers. This is an origin film and a brilliant one at that but after a few weeks at the box office I do not think we are going to see a sequel. Russell proved last year that great adult dramas, like 'State Of Play', do not make money at the box office. This film is similar and on a much grander scale. I do not think this film will make enough at the box office to warrant Universal giving the green light to make a sequel and that is really disappointing. Robin Hood does not become Robin Hood until the end of the film so at the end your left hoping to see what becomes of him but we won't get to see that. Part of the problem is that 'Robin Hood' is a film that only appeals to an older audience. As seen by the people I've seen going to it at work. It is not a character that holds much relevance to younger people. Especially when they have something more thrilling like Iron Man to compare it to. This is why it will not get that four quadrant appeal it needs to make enough at the box office to warrant making a sequel.


Despite this problem I think it is an excellent film. The story is quite complex and very politically motivated. I really like that sort of thing where there is heaps of intrigue and political maneuvering. Writer Brian Helgeland has written an excellent story that explains the origins of Robin Hood. As mentioned above there is a little too much origin and not enough of the action you expect from a Robin Hood movie. There is only one scene where he robs from the rich to give to the poor. The rest of the action though is excellent and Ridley really is the king of the epic battle sequence.


Russell Crowe is an excellent actor. A little too serious sometimes but he is great at the drama. While he lacks the fun and larican attitude previous Robin Hood have had, Russell's seriousness suits the way the character is done. He is a little like Maximus from 'Gladiator' but you don't mind. Cate Blanchett is awesome and can do anything. Oscar Isaac plays Prince John brilliantly. He has the perfect pitch of oily villain with a devious nature. I really like Mark Strong but would prefer he did not play the bad guy in every film he does. I'm afraid he's going to get type-cast.


If you go in ignoring the title and not expecting a typical Robin Hood film you should enjoy this excellent adult action drama. Just don't hold your breathe for the sequel the film promises.