Film: Robin Hood
Cast includes: Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind), Kate Blanchette (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Max von Sydow (Shutter Island), William Hurt (Into the Wild), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes)
Director: Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down)
Genre: Drama/Adventure/Comedy/Romance 2010
In brief: Before he was Robin Hood, he was Robin Longstride, a soldier in King Richard’s army. Even then, he wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power… even if it landed him in the stockades. But when King Richard is killed in France, Robin and his comrades make their way to the coast and a boat back to England. While in route, Robin and his band disrupt an ambush of Sir Robert Loxley’s traveling party, also headed to the coast. Sir Robert is mortally wounded, and as he’s dying he asks Robin to take his sword back to his father in Nottingham.
Before Robin gets to Nottingham, we learn there’s an evil plot afoot to discredit the new King… who doesn’t need much help being discredited. King John has no interest in the welfare of his subjects… his only interest being to tax the peasants to death. With England in shambles, King Philip of France will have no problem invading and conquering his island neighbors. Godfrey, who masquerades as King John’s loyal subject is actually an agent of King Philip, working to undermine England.
In the meantime, Robin is greeted warmly by Sir Walter, Sir Richard’s father, who is distraught about the death of his son… but not too distraught to consider the implications. Without a son, Sir Walter has no heir. Sir Richard’s wife, Marion, can’t inherit Sir Walter’s property because she’s a woman. Sir Walter quickly judges Robin to be a decent person and implores him to masquerade as Sir Robert, who’s been gone so long the town’s people won’t know the difference. Fate must have brought Robin to this place because he recognizes the inscription on Sir Richard’s sword… “Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions.” Eventually we’ll learn why that inscription has special meaning for Robin, as he plays a pivotal role in saving England from the French.
Unlike the Robin Hood stories we’re used to, this story doesn’t focus on the exploits of the outlaws. It tells us how Robin becomes an outlaw, righting the “many wrongs to be righted in the country of King John.” It’s a fun story, well told.
3 popped kernels
An entertaining narrative of how Robin Longstride becomes Robin Hood
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: High-end production
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Artful
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
