Robin Hood

Grade: C+

This was a mediocre film. Not terrible, but not a stand out. Russell Crowe as Robin Hood delivered a great performance (of course), but it was kind of predictable and a few parts were cheesy to the point of making my eyes roll. I watched it at the dollar theater and I don't regret the $1.50 it cost to see it. But it's probably not one that I'll buy.

This movie is kind of a prequel to the Robin Hood story that we are all familiar with. It follows Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) from his adventures on the Crusades with King Richard the Lion Heart on his way back to England and how he becomes Robin Loxley. We see how his friendship develops with the core group of what will become his "merry men" (Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett, etc.). As well as the budding romance with Maid Marian. But this movie is also full of political intrigue as the palace brat Prince John ascends to the throne and all of England is betrayed to the French by a devious traitor. Who will save the kingdom?

Although the historical person of Robin Hood is almost universally believed to be pure myth, it should be noted that some of the film's plot points regarding King Richard and Prince John are actually based on historical facts (or at least historical theories.) For example, the death of King Richard by a cook with a crossbow as well as many of the details of Prince John's life.

It was fairly entertaining, but not particularly memorable. Not a bad way to spend a $1.00 and a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon. Don't sweat it if you miss it. The movie is rated PG-13 for epic battle scenes which include some brief gore and sexuality.