We're introduced to Robin Longstride while he is fighting his way through France in the English Army of King Richard the Lionheart. It seems that other than his prowess as an archer, the writers decided to change everything about the story we know at exactly this point. Robin is a poor conscript, troublemaker and brawler who eventually deserts his army with several others (Will Scarlett, Little John, and unnamed others, none of whom are developed any further).
A funny thing happens on the way back to England, however, as Robin finds himself obligated to travel to Nottingham to see a dead knight's family. Robin, now Sir Robert, finds himself right at the crossroads of history as French forces aim to invade England, English Nobles fight for the rights of the commoners, meddling royals plot to overthrow a king and villagers all across the countryside are starving to death and being taxed to death (literally) as well.
What begins as a strong story line spirals in so many directions (including the childhood of Robin) that the viewer can hardly keep it all straight in his mind. There just doesn't seem to be a focus in the movie that keeps us attracted to these particular characters. While the movie is bound to draw comparisons to Gladiator, I found myself thinking of so many other movies while watching. The story lines (liberty, freedom, starvation, childhood, war-epic and others) are thrown together so quickly that none of them get the development that they truly deserve. It's as if Scott wanted to take the best parts of Gladiator, Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, El Cid and others that he ends up with a story that's unoriginal and uninspiring. Indeed, at points in the movie (specifically a beach-landing scene that almost plagiarizes Saving Private Ryan), one wonders if Scott intentionally tried to duplicate these memorable scenes from previous movies. It also doesn't help that so many of his characters are so similar to those in Gladiator, including the character of Sir Walter Locksley who is a ringer for the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The film is full of action and thrills. It has a lofty and ambitious story to tell, indeed one that is well worth telling. The themes that Robin Hood cribs from those other movies, however, don't strengthen the film, it just left this viewer wanting to watch those other, better movies.
$$$
- Stuart
