Film Review: Robin Hood

Robin Hood
Director: Otto Bathurst

Lionsgate
In Theaters: 11.21

The narration at the beginning of this film orders audiences to forget what they know about the story of “Robin Hood.” This is a different telling of the widely known tale. With that said, the general foundation still exists in director Otto Bathurst’s reimagining of the humble thief who steals from the rich and gives—oh, you know the rest of it.

At the beginning of the story, Robin of Loxley (Taron Egerton) immediately falls in love with Marian (Eve Hewson), but, when he is sent off to war by the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ben Mendelsohn) and presumed dead, the saddened maiden moves on with her life. On the battlefront, Robin attempts to halt the unwarranted slaughter of captured prisoners by fellow comrades, which earns the respect of rival soldier Little John (Jamie Foxx).

As years pass, the two cross paths once again and concoct a plan to overthrow the corrupt government by robbing them blind and enticing the lower class to revolt against the tyranny. While there are still many similarities to the previous productions (honestly, how could it not?), the modernization comes in the form of Bathurst’s intense action sequences, which come across more like a current military operation rather than medieval combat. Egerton portrays an adequate hero (at least there is not a terrible Kevin Costner–style accent) because he comes across as the “everyman” whom audiences can relate to. Foxx adds the drama/redemption with the loss of his son and his determination to take down those responsible. The hindrance comes with multiple downtime scenes that lose interest and instill sheer boredom, and Hewson’s acting abilities do not meet those of her counterparts. The story is an origin tale, which ends with a nod to a certain sequel. After witnessing the project, I’m willing to take another spin with these characters and style of filmmaking. –Jimmy Martin