I'll preface this by reminding you that I am not a movie reviewer. (If you want to read a real review of Robin Hood, this is a good one.) I tend to like movies other people don't, and dislike movies other people love. I also understand you are likely reading this because you know me, and not because you value my opinion. I am mostly writing this because I am having a crap day, am in the midst of watching Ridley Scott's Robin Hood directors cut for the fourth time in three days, and I am trying to avoid hacking away at the jungle that should be my yard.
Little did I know that when I took my exchange students to see Robin Hood that would begin a love affair, not just with Robin Hood, but Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott and most of the rest of the crew of Robin Hood. I saw the movie four times in the theater and was disappointed when it was replaced with something newer and more popular. I am normally only that obsessed with music, not movies (see facebook posts regarding Dave Matthews as evidence of that little obsession).
And now you know more about me than you might want to.
I grew up loving horses. OK, more like worshiping them. From the time I can remember, I knelt at the Alter of the Horse. And now that I am a grownup (or at least pretend to be) handsome boys riding pretty horses are very cool. I mean seriously, what horse loving, boy loving cowgirl would not appreciate this?
or this...
That just might be part of why RH is such an escape for me.
I have always been fond of the Robin Hood legend. I have read a few books, watched the movies and tv series when I was a kid and thought it was cool that he stood up for the little guy. Not that I approve of stealing, but why should the rich have it all? To have a movie version of Robin that seemed less like fantasy and more like reality is fabulous. I am always for the reality of things...Robin and his Merry Band of Men. Yep, they could ride into my town...
What really got to me in this film is the story told by Russ and Cate. Cate's Marian is strong, determined and opinionated, yet is graceful, proper and respectful (something I strive for but never quite reach). And I realised this morning, it is Russ's Robin that makes the movie for me (big surprise I know). Some brilliant writer decided that Robin should be impressed and somewhat awed by Marian's strength and that her opinions and determination should be part of what he finds attractive. Fully evidenced at the beginning of the final battle scene on the beach when he first yells at her, then tells her to gather her troops (awesome feral boys on Shetlanders).
And seriously, what man loving woman wouldn't swoon just a smidge at this...
For Marian, Robin showed his muster at being really true to his heart. He knows what is right and wrong and has no problem standing up for it. He made no bones about his convictions and that they are his, no one must stand beside him unless they do it of their own choosing (I can so totally relate to that one). He is one man that could come to my rescue...I mean, really, I am admitting right now that I wouldn't mind having him charge after me to save me from an evil doer...as long as he doesn't mind me saving him back (and yes, she did).
I adored Max von Sydow as Walter Loxley, the departed Robert's father. In a far fetched but possible twist, Walter knew Robin as a child and filled Robin in on the missing pieces of his life. Of course he had to die, but it was sad nonetheless. His character was great and full of life.
Another surprise was William Hurt as William Marshall, a part that was fleshed out in the director's cut (who knew the director's cut would make such a huge difference in my viewing pleasure!). I hope he plays a bigger part if there is indeed a sequel.
Not that you are surprised after reading my gush, but Robin Hood is now one of my Top Ten movies (well, maybe Top 20). If I were on a deserted island it is one of the movies I could watch repeatedly and never bore of it.
Last spring, once Robin Hood was no longer available to me in the theater, I held a little Russell Crowe film festival. I was surprised to find that I appreciated him far more than I thought I would in (not my cup of tea) movies like American Gangster and The Insider which are both great, and his performances are captivating and well worth watching. I gleaned new favorites while watching ( A Good Year, and Mystery Alaska) and still have a few to watch (Romper Stomper and Body of Lies).
As Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator (my son's favorite film)
As Cal McCaffrey in Sate of Play
As Max Skinner in A Good Year
Enough of the gushing, at least for now. Back to reality and a yard full of knee high grass I could literally watch grow if I sat still long enough...
