Gayle- Lynne's review of Robin Hood - Spoilers! |
ROBIN HOOD : A 12th CENTURY HERO IN A FANTASTIC MUST SEE 21st CENTURY FILM. Last night (May 4,2010) I had the opportunity to see “Robin Hood” starring Russell Crowe and Cate The auditorium we were in seats at least 400 people. I did not see Any empty seats. As I stated this is a new theater and it was opening night. In attendance was the Mayor of Pasadena who gave a brief introduction. Once he was finished the film began. Once the Universal, Imagine Entertainment, and Scott Free logos ended and a brief written introduction—we found ourselves in the village and manor of Nottingham, England. It was during the reign of Richard the Lion Hearted who spent much of his reign outside of the country. It is in this setting that we are introduced to Maid Marion. Her husband has been on a Crusade and with the King in France. Her Father In Law Sir Walter Loxey played by Max von Syndow is blind and elderly. Though they are living in a manor they are struggling to make ends meet. There has been lot of taxation and the seeds they need for crops are being confiscated. Obviously this is not a easy place to be if you are simply the usual damsel in distress. This Maid Marion may wear skirts but she also can pick up a bow and arrow or a sword. In fact in this introduction she does fire a flaming arrow for reasons I will not spoil for you. We also find out the parish priest is being transferred to York and taking some of those goods with him. He is to be replaced by one of the iconic characters of the legend, Friar Tuck. Maid Marion is very well played by Cate Blanchett a actress I have admired since “Oscar and Lucinda”. The scene shifts to France where Richard the Lion hearted is laying siege to a French castle. It is in this siege that we first meet Robin Longstride played by Russell Crowe. This Robin is a highly experienced archer. He exhibits strong leadership skills , is skilled in battle, and is an honest man. He can be protective, roguish, and fun. He is a man who speaks his mind to low born and King alike. But this is a man who is weary of war. He has witnessed things on the Crusades. Will Scarlett and Allan A’Dayle are played respectively by Scott Grimes and Alan Doyle. We find out both these men are fellow archers serving with Robin. They are comrades in arms and friends of Robin. Little John played by Kevin Durand is also serving in this army. (Spoiler warning ) We really encounter him in a game of chance with Robin. It is obvious that Little John underestimates Robin’s character. At the conclusion of the game a punch is thrown. Ultimately however Little John becomes one of Robin’s Merry Men. They have a lot of fun together. Alan, Robin and the others sing together, eat, and perhaps Wench together. A piece of dialogue rings through my mind from “Becket”: He wenched and drank his way through London—but he is thinking all the time.” (Spoiler warning ) Through a course of events and some underlying conspiracy – Richard is killed, and the army begins to disperse. Robin and his men head for England. On their way there is a chance encounter with Sir Walter Loxley and Richard’s Crown. Robin makes a promise to Sir Walter and also the crown comes into Robin’s possession. There is also a skirmish with men led by Godfrey a King’s man (played by Mark Strong) intent on retrieving the crown for other purposes. Eventually Robin arrives in London. Prince John , his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine , and Isabelle, John’s girlfriend and future queen are awaiting Richard. Instead they see someone who appears to be a knight. It is Robin who is delivering the crown. Robin is portraying himself as Robin of Loxely. It should be noted that Prince John is played by Oscar Isaac who was previously seen as a heart throb Joseph , in the “Nativity Story. “ Robin heads to Nottingham to keep his promise and also find his own roots. The Merry Men at one point are left behind by Robin. He arrives and meets Marion and her father in law. Marion is abit distant with this stranger. However the elderly Sir Walter extends his hospitality to Robin. He asks Robin to take on the persona of Robin of Loxely abit longer. Before he comes to dinner he is asked to take a bath. (Spoiler warning ) This is a moment most female fans of Crowe should enjoy since he is shirtless after being extricated from his chain mail and tunic. Much to the chagrin of Marion, to carry out the charade Robin also spends the night in her chamber with her and her dogs. This overnight stay is chaste—as Robin is warned by Marion she will cut off his manhood if he touches her. This warning is not to be taken lightly. Fortunately Robin has no problems with the dogs. Meanwhile King John needs money to pay for his lifestyle and reign. A series of somewhat violent tax collections begins. This is not only affecting the poor but even the barons, and some churchmen. It is in this setting , for 130 minutes, we encounter conspiracy, betrayals and a double agent, invasion from the French, intrigue, epic battle scenes, much humor, singing, a eventually blooming romance, and a Robin Hood character I quickly became very fond of. Robin struggles with his past. I must mention that Robin seems to of had some education somewhere along the way. We also see the threat of a uprising within from disgruntled Barons. This film can be entertaining. Yes it can be violent –but within proper context. I had no problem with the violence. We are totally immersed into the late 12th century. Such a immersion is something director Ridley Scott is famous for achieving. I was present a number of times on the “Bladerunner” set and can attest to the attention to painstaking detail And I have been a student of the life of Thomas Becket who predates the events in the film by some years—so to see a excellent film for this time period made me smile throughout. In the past loved “Lion in Winter” as well as “Becket. “ All the actors do an excellent job. Of course I really liked Russell in this film. And I had a lot of fun watching everyone else – hero and villain alike. With little or great acting experience to their credit –everyone impressed me. The costumes by Yanty Yates are very good, though I do think a couple of hats and costumes appeared to be more 13th century or later . I really liked the musical score. Pietro Scalia did a very good job with the editing. The photography was stunning in many parts of the film. The money is well spent and can be seen up on the screen. I must say however –one cannot help to draw comparisons between some scenes in I have read press which compares some current events with events and actions in “Robin Hood”. Yes one can imply it—but this is a coincidence. Incidentally while reading the end credits last night I noticed Russell Crowe’s personal assistant Keith Rodger is listed as an associate producer on this film. By the way there were many in the audience who stayed to read the end credits. All in all I LOVE this film. I was already doing word of mouth to encourage people to see it before I saw it and will continue to do so. Everyone I speak with tell me they will see it. Congratulations to Russell as one of the film’s producers as well as lead, for bringing us this film. (Certainly congratulations to all cast , crew, and the production team.) I hope it is remembered for Oscars next year. I hope this is a blockbuster. Wish I could sit down with you Russell to discuss this film. So DO NOT MISS this film. Gayle-Lynne |
