Release: Now showing

Duration: 140 minutes

Rating: M (violence and infrequent sexual references)

Robin Hood, one of the more hyped blockbusters of the year, can be summed up in one word: it starts with F and it rhymes with nail. After a series of production difficulties and changes, Ridley Scott - the stylist behind Gladiator and Thelma & Louise - imaginitively titled his reimagining of the Robin Hood legend Robin Hood, but the film itself is a actually an origin story or prequel. That’s right - a prequel to the treasured and flawless story of Robin Hood.

The burly Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind) stars as the legendary Robin Hood, an expert archer serving as a soldier in King Richard’s army against the French. Upon the King's death, Hood then escapes to Nottingham where he falls for Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett), who is trapped in a town of taxation corruption. Hood then attempts to earn the hand of Lady Marion while gathering his men and setting off to protect England from a civil war.

Oscar winning screenwriter Brian Hedgeland (L.A Confidential, Mystic River) has established himself as a master of his craft, although the protagonist in Robin Hood is somewhat outlandish. Taking in mind his initial intention to steer clear from the original story and develop a convenient prequel, Hood has had the life sucked out of him. Far from the mischievous, lovable character in Errol Flynn’s 1938 classic The Adventures of Robin Hood, the lead is transformed into a majestic, self-important and boring hero, entirely lacking in old-school charm and wit. Another problem is Crowe. As he attempts to wrap his tongue around the accent, he delivers much of the dialogue with his trademark grunts and mutterings that aren’t easy to understand.

The sub-plots throughout the film are quite perplexing and clumsy. The relationship that sparks between Marion and Hood creates an uncomfortable romance that drifts the audience a little too far away from the original storyline; the audience are then pulled back to King John plotting against his Marshall (William Hurt), Marion’s father-in-law plotting to keep Hood disguised as Lord Locksle while the evil Godfrey (Mark Strong) plots against everyone. The romance storyline in particular is quite rushed and awkward with little chemistry between the characters. My favourite scene is while Marion’s father-in-law is being cremated behind her, she starts making out with Robin: how appropriate!

As the film trudges along, apart from Crowe’s performance, the similarities to Gladiator become awesomely predictable. There’s even a re-enactment of the Normandy landings during the final battle! Honestly, it’s hearty entertainment but certainly not the classic that was expected.

Benjamin Plymin