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Another Reader Reports Back From That Las Vegas Test Screening Of Ridley Scott's ROBIN HOOD!

Published at:  Jan 27, 2010 2:32:24 PM CST

SPOILER ALERT !!

Beaks here...



Here comes our second review from Tuesday's Las Vegas test screening of ROBIN HOOD, and, once again, there are loads of GLADIATOR comparisons. This time, however, they're not so favorable. Let's see what MARZ has to say about the fifth collaboration between Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe...

Harry,

I saw Robin Hood at Rave theaters in Las Vegas last night. I was also fortunate 10 years ago to be in the test screening of Gladiator in San Diego. I read the review from the other attendee, although his descriptions are accurate and the fact they did not rely on CGI was impressive, my guest and I walked away rather confused. The movie appeared to be Ridley's desire to make another Gladiator-style movie and using the source material of Robin Hood to do so. It was not made clear (purposely or not) at the beginning that this would a prequel-esque storytelling of what we all know to be Robin Hood.

In no way do I think the film is a disaster, Russell Crowe gives a stellar performance and does a lot with the little he has to work with. My confusion contributed to the large cast of characters and the lack of distguising them from one another. King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham actually look alike, and there was an expectation that Sheriff would play some crucial role, however he does not. Other then hitting on Lady Marian and acting like a buffoon, his screen time is very limited.

Ridley Scott is a master of the battle sequences, however there are so many they start to slow the pace of the film down and become repetitive. It appears they are targeting a PG-13 rating so the fights are always shot in very close quarters so the brutality of what is occurring is less apparent and more assumed. There are some shots that are just plain transplants from Gladiator. In the final act of the film the bow & arrow is no longer a part of Robin's arsenal.

The gripes I had about the film is how much I lacked caring about the protagonists. We know Robin doesn't die and Lady Marian is played as a strong woman but lacking any felinity. You're often confused on what exactly they are fighting for or who they plan to fight against as you are constantly waiting for Robin to start stealing from the rich and giving to the poor (which doesn't materialize). You never feel like any of the main or supporting characters are in real danger, and the relationship between Robin Hood and Marian is forced. The end of the film happened so quickly and you are left thinking is this when the real story starts or does the film really end here?

When origins of Robin Hood are revealed in the middle of the movie it seems all too convenient and only contrived to bring the character to a "chosen one" status. In Gladiator, we saw the fall and rise for a General and passionate family man. His personal vendetta was relatable and tangible, this story has less direction. Also, there are several villains in this movie but none of them rose to what Joaquin Phoenix played in Gladiator. His portrayal of Commodus was so good that I actually hated the actor for some time after.

I have no do doubt that Harry and the rest of the viewing audience will come to enjoy this film. Russell Crowe will always demand your attention on screen and is just plain fun to watch. Cate Blanchett is still a beauty, and I fell in love with her in 'Benjamin Button.' Kevin Durand as Little John is just great casting and is funny as hell. Although, this movie is set up for a sequel, I would rather see a prequel staring General Maximus.

Thank you,

MARZ




I've heard other early reactions to the film, and they've all been on the positive side. This is a little surprising. That said, Scott is an inveterate tinkerer, so I'm sure this is far from the final cut (even though he's got another movie nearing production right now).

ROBIN HOOD hits theaters on May 14th.



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    Readers Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:31:42 PM CST

    Should be called robin head

    by piratebill

    And just be 4 hours of russell crowe blowing a tramp

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:36:00 PM CST

    lacking felinity

    by lopan

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:36:00 PM CST

    You still can't beat Robin of Sherwood

    by themagicalhornofguntata

    ROS was by far the best Robin adaptation, even if the hairstyles and swordfights were on the dodgy side, for two reasons. Nickolas Cage and Ray Winstone.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:36:52 PM CST

    Not Nickolas Cage

    by themagicalhornofguntata

    Nickolas Grace. Sorry, I've just burned one...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:37:49 PM CST

    I want to like this,

    by billybigbollocks

    .. hell I want to love it. But my blood isn't flowing for this, I feel no pull to see it in a theater, I don't know if I'd even pay $1 at Redbox, hmmm, not sure why I feel this way. Is it the middle ages setting? But I do know that this review seems to play to my fears.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:38:59 PM CST

    NOTHING CAN TOUCH COSTNERS TAKE.

    by uberman

    What was the name of that flick again? Any flick that needs the combined star power of Sting, Adams and Rod Stewart to collectively sing the title song has got to be 3x as good...right? Anyways, ROBIN HOOD flicks have always bored the shit outta me. Probably one of my least fav fictional characters. They should update it and have RH go out and rob the scumball corporations who are robbing this country blind.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:39:53 PM CST

    "THAT SAID" and "HAVING SAID THAT"

    by la_sith

    Can we please dispose of these fucking redundant, horrible phrases?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:41:41 PM CST

    Nicholas Cage as the Sheriff...

    by themagicalhornofguntata

    GUY OF GUISBURNE: My Lord Sheriff, Robin Hood and his mean have just stolen the taxes from the guard on the Huntingdon road.

    SHERIFF: Well... gosh...!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:42:30 PM CST

    Man, this sounds disappointing

    by colonelfatheart

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:47:37 PM CST

    Maid Marian lacks... Felinity?

    by ninjarap

    Well, since she's not a cat, that really shouldn't be a problem.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:50:00 PM CST

    Sting, Adams, Stewart = Three Musketeers '93

    by dingbatty

    song hoping to capture the feel and popularity of the Prince of Thieves Adams Everything I Do... ending credits theme.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:50:32 PM CST

    Felinity? With Keri Russell?

    by statelywaynemanor

    That show sucked after she cut her hair.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 2:55:57 PM CST

    PG-13 =FAIL

    by soylentmean

    This had better be R like Gladiator. That seemed to work out well, didn't it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:02:38 PM CST

    Sometimes bullet points work better

    by aloy

    Not to be a bitch but this review read like an ESL review from the Taipei screening.
    Appreciate the insight though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:06:34 PM CST

    I'm glad that Maid Marian is not a cat

    by i am_notreal

    But I'm not so happy about the bow / arrow thing, that's pretty important.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:06:47 PM CST

    FAT ROBIN HOOD

    by comeuppance

    Shouldn't a outlaw/woodsman/boderline ninja be able to run a minimum half-mile in the bush carrying light equipment without stopping due to exhaustion. Russell Crowe probably couldn't even pass the most basic army physical training tests.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:08:06 PM CST

    I for one am excited for this.

    by azlam orlandu

    Every summer my father and I find a film to go to the theater together over. Sometimes it's Star Wars, a couple of years ago it was Indy, last year it was Trek. This year it's Robin Hood. Be as cynical as you want, nothing is going to ruin my good time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:14:13 PM CST

    The complain train is full steam ahead! choo choo

    by itraveledbackintimetoteabagabrahamlincol

    you cynical whining fuckers crack me up. Always looking forward towards the next thing you can crap on. Cheer up buckaroos! Its a fucking movie. Its supposed to be fun.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:23:32 PM CST

    Free Marketing Advice

    by blue1622

    Robin Hood stole from the GOVERNMENT (a rich, corrupt government, controlled by nobles and such) to give to the poor. Highlight that in your ad campaigns, and this fucking movie might just blow up like a tea party.

    Whatever, looking forward to it, even if not hiring Alan Rickman was a terrible call.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:25:06 PM CST

    No one has addressed "Shaky-Cam"

    by sonny_williams

    Scott's passionate embrace of shaky-cam has been my biggest bitch with him since G.I. JANE! How does this film fare? Motion-sick viewers want to know!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:28:52 PM CST

    Sounds like they should have gotten JettL93 to do a rewrite

    by theslimymudhole

    Word is, he's one of the very best at writing characters with lots of felinity.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:38:23 PM CST

    "Felinity"

    by ray garraty #47

    Needed a laugh - that made my day. "I do not think that word means what you think it means."

    I would go on but I don't want to make a skeptical of myself.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 3:41:34 PM CST

    Re:Marz Replys to the the Haters

    by marzlv

    Sorry Guys, that was Femininity, NOT felinity. I will have to beat my auto-correct! Thanks for the ESL comment! :(. I agree, I should have used OF instead of FOR. The bow & arrow are barely in the final act. I sent a revised version but I don't expect Harry to post it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 4:30:41 PM CST

    ITraveledBackInTimeToTeaBagAbrahamLincolnInTheFace

    by comeuppance

    If being a cynic means to expect more from our action heroes than I'm guilty. Russell Crowe as Robin Hood instantly dispels the illusion. He is overweight, not that I'm not judging him; he lives a charmed life and he likes to eat which is what I would do in his situation, but at the same time if you desire to be a film star in a role as iconic as Robin Hood, you better hit the gym, not just strength training, but endurance and cardio training. Russell Crowe has gotten a free pass in the movie business, and therefore has allowed himself to get soft, literally. He's fat and lazy, not getting any younger, he's out of shape, and without his top of the line ex-military security, most kids half his age could beat him up, despite the tough guy image he tries to portray. I digress, but what I'm really trying to say is this: the REAL Robin Hood could dispatch his weakest merry man, a 14 year old runt, to deal with Russell in hand to hand combat, and in less than 5 minutes Russell would be dead. Just sayin'

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 4:34:18 PM CST

    Comeuppance...

    by themagicalhornofguntata

    That would have never happened to Michael Praed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 4:46:47 PM CST

    How exactly is Russell Crowe fat and lazy?

    by m_reporter

    The dude's been working constantly, and always appeared in his roles in the shape they required him to be in. I'm not talking of Robin Hood, because I haven't seen it yet and will reserve my judgment until then. But the guy brings whats required of him in every one of his roles, and acting chops to boot. If you're gonna bitch about him being out of shape for Body of Lies and State of Play then consider first what his character is in the context of the movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 4:56:17 PM CST

    Re: m_reporter

    by billemic

    Sorry but I totally agree with ComeUppance. Other actors his age, like Hugh Jackman, put the man to shame. Ever since "Gladiator," Russel completely let himself go. Every time I see the guy he looks fat, pudgy, and bloated. And no, we're not just talking about Body of Lies here. It was obvious from the "teaser" trailer that Russel didn't bother to get in shape for Robin Hood, which is a major blow to the credibility of the film.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:01:43 PM CST

    Paging Ridley's Mojo!

    by jeffreykatzenkunt

    Paging Ridley's Mojo! Hello! Is anybody there? Hello! Mojo, can you hear me? Hello! Mr. Mojo! Hello! Oh, I give up...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:15:02 PM CST

    Word of the day - FELINITY

    by sansara07

    Thanks for the laugh, needed that. Maid Marian may not have any felinity, but Neytities in Avatar sure does. And Robin Hood will rule the early summer, Titans will suck! You heard it here first.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:17:12 PM CST

    "lacking any felinity." DAMNIT!!!

    by d.vader

    After Avatar, I want all my beautiful leading ladies to look like Cat People! Especially Cat Blanchett!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:20:07 PM CST

    Please stop teasing the guy...

    by jeffreykatzenkunt

    ... after all, no one is purr-fect.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:21:37 PM CST

    "devoid of any foxiness"

    by creamcheesealchemist

    When we have fully integrated part-animals, Maid Marian will be added to the Disney Princess brand.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:23:03 PM CST

    This Reviewer liked Benjamin Button

    by d o o d

    That says all I need to know about Robin Hood!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:29:58 PM CST

    Robin Hood and Little John, walkin' through the forest...

    by beedub

    Laughin' back and forth at what the other has to say...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:30:47 PM CST

    I wasn't going to see this anyway

    by genre_baby

    But another Gladiator clone using the Robin Hood legends/lore instead?

    I'll stick with my RH-related books thank you.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:39:08 PM CST

    I'll wait for the Director's Cut DVD

    by iamlegolas

    seems to be Ridley Scott's thing anyway. But really, who was looking for another Robin Hood movie anyway? (and I'm a fan of both Ridley Scott and the medieval time period)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:40:09 PM CST

    Russell Crowe is fat and lazy compared to any

    by comeuppance

    actor working today who is a superior representative of Robin Hood. It's a shame that Russell Crowe is product of some investment cunts. He's good for making money , but when push comes to shove, Russell Crowe the person, is the last person I would ever pick for my militia, because he's a pansy who would run away and die of exhaustion. He would never survive yet all you worship him

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:41:28 PM CST

    I don'

    by dr.dirtyd

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:44:27 PM CST

    I don't know what's more upsetting,

    by dr.dirtyd

    The dudes Feline typo, or the fact that he needs Maid Marian to meet his very specific feminine quota.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 5:51:19 PM CST

    Men in Tights

    by jsscript2007

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:00:29 PM CST

    Reboot this......

    by nuking the fridge

    That is the only solution...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:01:37 PM CST

    Comeuppance...

    by red ned lynch

    ...don't mean to disillusion you, but he's an actor. You see, they make these things called movies and television shows, and they hire people who are good at pretending to play different parts. Neither Elizabeth Shue nor Denise Richards are really nuclear scientists, Edward Norton is not a magician, and Johnny Depp isn't really a pirate. We judge actors by how good they are at pretending.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:02:20 PM CST

    I still can't get over the "French Navy"

    by ingeld

    invading England in the 12th century. Since historical faithfulness is not a concern, perhaps Robin could fight Guy of Gisborne in the Coliseum in London after he defuses an undetonated V2 aerial bomb launched by Nazi vikings.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:04:10 PM CST

    Gotta' say though...

    by red ned lynch

    ...that robbing from the rich and giving to the poor thing... That's like Robin Hood's signature move. You take that away and you're just a bent piece of wood away from having a Deliverance movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:04:56 PM CST

    Ingeld...

    by red ned lynch

    ...you make that movie and I'll buy a ticket.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:06:24 PM CST

    'a strong woman but lacking any felinity'

    by henrydalton

    I may describe all future women in this manner.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:08:24 PM CST

    Sounds like shit! PG-13? What the fuck?

    by thewaqman

    Man the film sounds like a boring mess. It's like Fox sucked out all of his enthusiasm after neutering Kingdom of Heaven and now he just doesn't give a shit anymore. Will rent.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:19:50 PM CST

    Re: "THAT SAID" and "HAVING SAID THAT"

    by slone13

    Easily one of the most annoying crutches employed by lazy and average writers of the last few years.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:25:47 PM CST

    Red Ned Lynch

    by ingeld

    Why not, huh? It could be good. We could fill it up with as many ridiculous anachronisms as found in Costner's Prince of Thieves. My favorite was Costner asking: "Did I wrong you in another life, Will Scarlett?" I had no idea Robin was a Buddhist.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:29:21 PM CST

    Russell Crowe is a talented actor

    by i am_notreal

    His performances in LA Confidential, The Insider, and Gladiator are all outstanding and worthy of the awards and praise they received. But to say he's good at making money is a bit off when he hasn't had a big hit in a dog's age. And I honestly couldn't give a shit how he'd perform in a militia or whatever it is you're going on about.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:32:05 PM CST

    Felinity?

    by omar b

    Felinity to describe a woman? The apparent inability top tell the difference between the words "Then" and "Than." I couldn't pay attention, the guy obviously can't read or write.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:35:30 PM CST

    Golly, what a day.

    by blackwood

    Russell Crowe = yay. I would watch him fold laundry. Naked. Which sounds like I might be naked watching him fold laundry. Which works too I guess.Ridley Scott = meh. It used to be all yay all the time for me and the elder Scott, but his stuff just doesn't grab me like it once did. I think he's a great director, but I don't feel invested in his projects necessarily because of him. For me, the subject needs to tingle - Scott alone doesn't make it worthwhile.The story so far = blech. I don't care. I just don't care. This doesn't seem like an interesting examination of the character, or a story that will relate to our hard times, or and exceptional narrative in its own right. There is not a nail to hang my hat on in this one. There's no point.The math does not look good so far.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:37:41 PM CST

    By the way, I disagree about "That said" etc.

    by ingeld

    They are simply transitional devices. As long as they are not overused, they can serve a function and that is to alert the reader that a complete point has been made and that another is coming that may be in opposition or in conflict with it. Two or three words that economically gets all of that across can be a valid and worthwhile rhetorical technique.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:40:46 PM CST

    So it's a prequel, but has all the characters?

    by kevred

    If it's a prequel, there should be no interaction at all between Robin, Marian, Little John, etc. All of those introductions happened after Robin was already an outlaw.

    If this review is inaccurate and that's not how the film works, then ignore this comment. But otherwise, this tendency of "prequels" to mash all the familiar characters together in ridiculous ways, well before they should actually be together (see: Wolverine) is an incredibly cheap and lazy form of filmmaking.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:43:07 PM CST

    Elana de la Garza has felinity

    by countryboy

    I liked this review, the guy made good points. Don't listen to 'em MARZ!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:43:20 PM CST

    blackwood

    by d o o d

    I agree with all you've said, apart from the Russell Crowe. He also = meh!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:45:02 PM CST

    Ingeld...

    by red ned lynch

    ...although I would prefer the V-2s to be going off as the fight progresses. Gives it that The Natural feel. When Robin wins the rockets stop falling and the last sparks trail down. The last one turns into an apple, run through with an arrow, toppling off Robin's son's head. Because hey, bows arrows, might as well all be the same guy, right? Oh yeah, and I try not to think about the Costner Robin Hood. A fair notion of hell would be watching it as part of a double feature with First Knight (featuring King Arthur's Death Machine tm) for all eternity.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:50:05 PM CST

    Red Ned Lynch

    by ingeld

    Or Robin could shoot two V2s back to the Viking Nazis, splitting the first one with the second one. Please don't ever mention First Knight again. I have only seen about twenty minutes of it, and that was painful. There should be a private circle in Dante's Inferno (the real one--not the current film: Beeaatriccee!) for such horrible film makers.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:52:51 PM CST

    Where's AsimovLives?

    by mr lucas

    I'm surprised he hasn't turned up to give us more of his bizzaro take on English history. I think he might actually be Mel Gibson.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 6:59:08 PM CST

    Rocket Robin Hood

    by mr lucas

    All this talk of alternative takes on the Robin Hood character brought the old cartoon to mind. Maybe they should've done a live-action version of that instead. Yes kiddies, it actually existed - check YouTube.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:07:49 PM CST

    When Things Were Rotten

    by red ned lynch

    I think Mel Brooks made this show back in the 70s. It was a comedic take on Robin Hood. Hardly any episodes. Saw a couple episodes about twenty years ago. Only bit I really remember was an episode where King Richard had to touch foot to English soil every ten years or John became king. He slid into home plate, umpire declaring him safe and all, then dusted himself off and got back on his ship. If that's the bit I remember maybe it wasn't so good.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:10:35 PM CST

    I loved When Things Were Rotten.

    by ingeld

    I was probably 12 years old at the time, so I don't know how well the humor holds up. It was barely on for a season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:34:30 PM CST

    "The Chosen One"

    by dasinfogod

    I see one more flick that uses this tired old prophetic "Chosen One" cliche, I may just puke out a spleen. Dammit, Hollywood, think of a new plot device! As far as I'm concerned, Ashley 'Ash' J. Williams is the only "Chosen One" that measures up to the title, and all your little runner-up pussies ever since have been panty-waist wannabes.Robin "Chosen One" of Locksley my ass! Sheeeit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:38:21 PM CST

    frederico felinity dyed in 93.

    by alice133

    and is soarly mist.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:49:05 PM CST

    Ingeld...

    by red ned lynch

    ...I'm just glad I wasn't the only one who even remembered it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:49:39 PM CST

    Wasn't this supposed to be *Nottingham'

    by tradeskilz

    Atleast thats what i thought Scott was filming. It seemed very original to me. Perhaps the suites wouldnt front the 100m to make Robin Hood a vilian so they convinced him to make another adaptation. Wouldnt surprise me if Scott's heart wasnt in it after that. Cant say im looking forward to another robin hood movie though i really like Ridley Scott as a director.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:50:01 PM CST

    Robin Who?

    by awardgiver

    How can you make a Robin Hood film if he doesn't rob from the rich to give to the poor? Is this Crowe's right wing pc-ism? Doesn't want to offend a right wing audience? fuck this, I'll watch the Disney movie again before this crap...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 7:58:07 PM CST

    I agree with la_sith!

    by symon

    It was bad enough when it was just Harry using "that said" every couple of lines. But if he's rubbing off on Beaks it won't be long before it's all over this damn site. Having said that, what's even worse is when they don't even bother to use this asinine expressions correctly....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 8:28:59 PM CST

    This to shall pass

    by atomic_crusader

    Robin Hood, people know the name, so they make another movie it's 2010 for goodness sake. Tis' a pity.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 9:22:09 PM CST

    Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor

    by ptsdpete

    You couldn't do this shit on a ROBIN HOOD movie, anymore ?!? Thanks a lot, teabagger fucks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 9:23:14 PM CST

    It appears they are targeting a PG-13 rating

    by ptsdpete

  • Jan 27, 2010 9:24:04 PM CST

    Uberman..

    by bartholomewneff

    If they wanted to make an update, it wouldn't be the corporations, it'd be the government he'd be robbing from. If you remember the tale, the robs from the rich line doesn't wash. He took to going against a repressive government that overtaxed it's citizens and he simply fought back for the little guy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 9:33:52 PM CST

    America's like a Third World Country w/ Hanna Montana

    by ptsdpete

    Hence this product.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 9:35:43 PM CST

    BartholomewNeff

    by ptsdpete

    Nah. Rob from the rich, give to the poor. Clear as day. Stop ruining literature.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 10:00:08 PM CST

    The PG-13 rating will ruin it

    by decado2

    A whole bunch of battle scenes where you can't actually see anything?

    I don't really care about Robin Hood, but if you're going pile in a bunch of battle sequences and capitalize off his past historical epic projects, targeting a PG-13 rating kills it before it gets out the gate.

    Seriously, why did he even bother?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 10:12:47 PM CST

    PTSDPete

    by nukeboy1970

    Nope, he had it right. Robin Hood took back money from a corrupt government to give it back to the people.


    Ayn Rand describes it the best in Atlas Shrugged.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 10:23:09 PM CST

    Cate Blanchett looks like a shoe

    by jobacca

    Olivia De'Havilland for the win,bitches.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 10:29:28 PM CST

    I'll trust the first guy

    by adelai niska

    This one sounds dumber

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 10:49:10 PM CST

    time for cate blanchett to go away

    by haterofcrap

    i hate her and her fuckin pretentious "i'm an artist" fucking face. she is in everything and it has got to stop.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 11:02:25 PM CST

    BartholomewNeff

    by uberman

    Yes, back in Robins day it was the gov, but today, as it was 100 years ago, its greedy, unregulated corporatists "Robber Barrons" who have removed all regulation and are free to rape and plunder unchecked with zero loyalty to America.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 11:32:27 PM CST

    Disney's Robin Hood, biatch

    by murdermostfowl

    Best. Robin. Hood. Ever.
    OK maybe not the most compelling story , but actually I do think it's the most endearing version, and has held up pretty well over the years.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 27, 2010 11:36:15 PM CST

    oh and Blanchett ruined LOTR

    by murdermostfowl

    Well that's PJ and whats-her-face's fault actually... for writing the scene where she says "In the place of a Dark Lord you would have a Queen!" and turns all evil. WTF. I never read that scene that way ever in the book. Not even if I were high as a kite would I ever have interpreted that scene that way. Galadriel was no freak out woman. Sorry to blame you Kate You gotta roll with it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 12:31:13 AM CST

    Comeupance:"He's overweight, not that I'm judging him"

    by itraveledbackintimetoteabagabrahamlincol

    Your post is nothing but superficial judgement. You validate the "haven't-seen-it-yet-but-know-exactly-what-is" bullshit cynicism. Maybe the movie will suck don't know, don't care. But don't try to back up your ridiculous opinion in paragraph length. Go have your superficial debate on EntertainmentTonight.com or TMZ.com you sorry piece of shit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 2:15:15 AM CST

    to MurderMostFowl

    by donduck

    Blanchett ruin LOTR? That's just a weird statement. I love the twisted logic of fanboys.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 3:26:10 AM CST

    This will be EPIC!

    by harryblackpotter

    Can't wait for this.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 4:59:22 AM CST

    Mr Lucas

    by asimovlives

    Yes? You called for me? And actually, one of the reasons i have been liking Braveheart less and less is because of the crass historical mistakes it has (my favorite is the Battle of Stirling Bridge not being fought on a bridge). I do rate historical accuracy very high. Which is the point of my posts about such subject.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 5:15:33 AM CST

    you guys would wish to have Cate Blanchett as your girl

    by asimovlives

    Jesus Christ, complaining about Cate Blanchett!! Unbelievable!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 5:24:12 AM CST

    I'd love to see a teabagger's version of Robin Hood

    by asimovlives

    Stealing from the poor to live to the rich. It would be George W. Bush and his merry men would be his cabinet.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 6:55:20 AM CST

    So this ISN'T Robin Hood?

    by laserhead

    It seems to have no real resemblance to the Robin Hood myths other than 'returned from the crusades.' Sounds... lame.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 8:13:54 AM CST

    You know who has felinity?

    by ray garraty #47

    Chairman Meow.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 8:26:29 AM CST

    AsimovLives...

    by red ned lynch

    ...on the subject of Cate Blanchett we are in agreement.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 8:36:06 AM CST

    Best Robin Hood Ever?

    by giant ape balls

    Robin and Marian. With Connery and Hepburn. At least it shows Richard up for the prick he was.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 11:15:37 AM CST

    Red Ned Lynch

    by asimovlives

    Of course we would, we are civilized men here (and yeah, it's a paraquote from THE PROPOSITION, sue me for loving that movie so much).

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 11:20:16 AM CST

    Giant Ape Balls

    by asimovlives

    Absolutly. Great movie indeed. Great to see some love for that teribly underrated and forgotten gem of a movie. And you are right, Richard Lionheart was indeed a major prick. How this guy, who fucking hated England and considered the english people merely spongues so he could milk them dry for taxes, how in the bloody hell he became such a hero figure for them? Hell, he even considered himself FRENCH! He never learned to speak english, and i seriously doubt he would ever wanted, he would think it a barbarian language.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 11:25:50 AM CST

    Laserhead

    by asimovlives

    not to be the devil's advocate, but the Robin Hood myth has always been, shall we say, flexible. Sinc every early there has been many things atributed to the myth that have been contradictory. Even the traditional stories have elements form different centuries all thrown in. Basically, Robin Hood's legend is one which had been added on elements with each telling since the midle ages. One can imagine a scene in a medeival festival, where a bard would be asked to tell a tale of Robin Hood, and he would tell the general story but mix in stuff of his own creation, to make it a more interesting tale. As such, i'm quite open to reinterpretations of the story of Robin Hood. Such is the power of the myth that 800 years or so after it first became popular, it's still going strong and allows constant reinterpretations. That's the true testement of the power of a myth.And this is a Ridley Scott movie. At the very least, it will look fantastic.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 2:08:15 PM CST

    Ditto Robin and Marian even though Connery

    by picardsucks

    Sean Connery looked 60 when Robin and Marian was made even though he was only 44. For some Reason Connery aged horribly when he reached his 40's and looked like a man in his 60's. Maybe it was 1970's living? But then he didn't seemingly age again until he reached his early 70's. I suppose that is a fair trade off.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 2:57:37 PM CST

    Robin Hood: Men in Tights

    by turketron_2

    I need to rewatch. Been a looong time!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 3:43:22 PM CST

    AsimovLives

    by giant ape balls

    Robin Hood is reputedly buried in my town (though there's nothing in the grave now and it's been moved 3 times from the original site) so it was nice to see at least one movie that showed a version of the end of the myth.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 5:19:21 PM CST

    Giant Ape Balls

    by asimovlives

    That's a great thing your town can lay claim. Sure, it might all just be legend with little foudnation on truth, but still, it's cool stuff.One of the most interesting things i learn about that period of english history is that all this group of robbers were in fact under the orders and aegis of the region's noblemen. They brough their loot to the noblemen, and in trade he offered them protection in his castle. This later was particulary important, as due to a law of the time, if a person was indicted of a crime and failed to come to court 3 times, he would be automatically absolved. So, for this criminals, all they needed when the law was going after them was to lay low, be hidden and let time enough pass so they could had avoided beign caught and brough to justice in 3 court agendment. Thus, the protection of a nobleman was imperative.And if they got caught, a nobleman could support their cause. first, and most important, was to secure inprisonement in a prision. Beleive it or not, this was the ebst it could happen to you if you were a caught criminal. unlike today, being in a prision was a privilege. Youa ctually payed to be in a prision. It means you were not in some hole in the ground, or some fetid dungeon. Prisions were mantained by a warden, which was an actual business. In a prision, and if you had enough money, you would had clean sheets, good meals, and if you were important, you would even dine with the warden. You could receive visitors. It was great. But it all lasted if you could afford. It's known that when some people failed payment, they were put to the street to beg so they could pay for their stay at prision.Yeah, things in the english middle age were pretty darn different and strange. And far more interesting then any movie has shown so far.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 5:27:46 PM CST

    Battle sequences

    by kaitain

    "Ridley Scott is a master of the battle sequences, however there are so many they start to slow the pace of the film down and become repetitive."

    Wow. This really DOES sound like Gladiator...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 7:46:22 PM CST

    donduck, that was a lead in...

    by murdermostfowl

    Within my post I immediately corrected myself and put the blame on the right people. Of course I wasn't really blaming Blanchett. It's style, man!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 28, 2010 8:58:36 PM CST

    Robin and Marian is a beautiful film

    by jobacca

    As far as Robin Hood films go,its the Eroyl Flynn version,the Disney version,and the Connery version...all the rest ARE CRAP!!! The three-way love triangle between Robin,Little John,and Marian ia absolutely heartbreaking...I still shed a manly tear when Little John tells Marian that if she had been his woman,he never would have left. Damn good soundtrack to boot....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 29, 2010 7:00:33 AM CST

    Jobacca

    by asimovlives

    Of course it's a damn good soundtrack, it's John Barry.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 29, 2010 7:52:37 AM CST

    Ingeld

    by catothecensor

    Well, I'm sure they're not talking about some Age of Sail armada captained by Pierre Villeneuve. But, to be fair, the French Navy did invade England in the 11th century, and successfully...so I'm not sure what you're getting twisted up about. They didn't walk across the English channel.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 29, 2010 2:44:10 PM CST

    CatoTheCensor

    by asimovlives

    Nationalism nonsense is so sad, isn't it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jan 30, 2010 7:47:47 PM CST

    felinity???!??!?!?!

    by waka_flocka_flame

    WHAT THE FUCK

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 25, 2010 9:49:33 AM CDT

    not surprised to read this sux

    by catlettuce4

    I am not surprised with this review. In fact most people who have seen an advance screening are negative to very negative about this movie. Except of course the few 'reviews' placed out there by the studio and some group of rabid Crowe fans.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 26, 2010 2:10:41 PM CDT

    Robin Hood didn't throw phones did he?

    by orcus

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