Page 30 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • May 26, 2010 Latest remake is ragout of Robin Hood lore by Dennis Seuling Robin Hood is a natural for the movies. He is a legend, an underdog fighting a guerrilla battle for the rights of the oppressed. He confronts the tyranny of an incompetent monarch, has compassion for the poor, and is a charismatic leader. Many movie Robin Hoods have graced the screen, ranging from Douglas Fairbanks in the silent era to Jon Hall, Richard Greene, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, Cary Elwes, and an animated fox in a Disney version. The most famous Robin Hood of them all is Errol Flynn. Now, it’s Russell Crowe’s turn. The new “Robin Hood” attempts to create a complex tale combining an origin saga, some history, assumed identity, legend, and a lot of Hollywood imagination. The film opens with King Richard (Danny Huston) and his men on the way home from his years-long fight in the Crusades. Robin Longstride (Crowe) is one of Richard’s loyal soldiers. Richard interrupts the homeward march to plunder a French castle. During the battle, a well-aimed arrow changes the course of history. Lady Marian (Cate Blanchett) is a landowner whose husband has been off with King Richard for the last 10 years and she is in danger of losing her land to the excessive taxes of Prince John (Oscar Isaac), who has been acting as regent in his brother’s absence. Marian lives on the farm with her husband’s aged father, Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow). Meanwhile, the nobles are on the verge of civil war and the French, always ready to seize an opportunity, are preparing for an invasion of England while the English nobles’ loyalties are divided. There is enough in this “Robin Hood” for several movies. At two-and-a-half hours, it is far too cluttered, and story tendrils are all over the place, with Robin Hood coming off more as an ensemble character than the main focus. Perhaps a better title for this film would have been “Drama in the 12th Century.” The usual characters are here: Robin’s sidekicks Little Russell Crowe stars as the legendary archer in ‘Robin Hood.’ John (Kevin Durand), Will Scarlet (Scott Grimes), and Allan A’Dayle (Alan Doyle); the Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen); and Friar Tuck (Mark Addy). Unfortunately, they are given little screen time and do not make an impression. It’s almost as if they are included to satisfy viewers’ expectations. Only Friar Tuck has a good scene. The others might as well be extras. The major problem with “Robin Hood” is that it lacks an identity of its own. It is reminiscent of many other films. “Braveheart” immediately comes to mind, but there are also borrowings from “The Lion in Winter,” “Spartacus,” and “Gladiator.” The movie strives to be epic, but falls far short, largely because of Crowe’s terribly understated performance. The script has Crowe’s Robin engaging in brave acts, but they never really ring true. This Robin is gritty, somber, humorless, and dull as a doorknob. It is unusual to see a major star blend so effortlessly into the background. Since Crowe has been excellent in previous screen work, the fault must lie with the script and Scott’s direction. Blanchett and Sydow enliven the picture with excellent performances and portray interesting, multi-faceted characters. Were it not for these two professionals, the movie would be an endless bore. Blanchett’s Marian is no blushing flower. She has fire, ability, and courage, though her sex relegates her to a subservient position in society. Like her fellow countrymen, she labors under a monarch who cares little about his people and thinks of them merely as a source of income. Also notable is Isaac’s Prince John, who falls into the category of live-action cartoon villains. He is evil through and through, and plays his role to the hilt, arrogance and venom dripping from every pore. When he is on the screen, things perk up. William Hurt is also very good as William Marshal, appointed by King Richard to look after England during his absence and one of the chief fomenters of resistance against John’s policies. Rated PG-13, “Robin Hood” is uneven. It has some firstrate performances, but never fully clicks. It is often fun to watch, and the battle scenes are excellently and excitingly staged, but the main character sags. It is a task worthy of “Jeopardy” to sort out fact and legend from new invention. Calling All Crafters and Antique Cars! Allendale Festival Day Saturday, October 2 10am - 4pm Sponsored by Allendale Chamber of Commerce Platinum Sponsor: The Allendale Community for Mature Living nd Be a part of the 18th Annual State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! 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