Robin Hood

Despite the lack luster reviews that this rendition of the popular legend is getting I thought that this was one of the best that I have seen.   This is NOT the Robin Hood that you are used to seeing though.  Although I would probably call it a origins story as opposed to a re-imagining of previous movies.   The movie is set during the time BEFORE the man who becomes to be known as Robin in the Hood starts his famous campaign to take from the rich and give to the poor.  One of the things I liked was that they didn't portray Robin necessarily as a hero born.. but more like a man shoved into the role because of circumstances and a sense of justice.   Left to his own devices he would have rather have gone on into obscurity.   Russell Crowe plays a fantastic part..  as an understated hero.  SO much better than the annoying false bravado and "goody goody" part that Costner played.  Cate Blanchette is also excellent as Lady Marion... The cinematography was also fantastic which isn't surprising coming from Ridley Scott.   He is WELL used to making movies on this scale...  Gladiator.    If there is one nitpick its with some scenes that felt kind of contrived.  Without going into details and spoiling anything.. there was a few scenes that felt...  well... like they were put in to please the producers as opposed to being logically part of the story.  This is a small thing though and doesn't detract from the overall movie too much.  This is definitely a movie worth seeing at the theaters...  (4.5/6.0)