I have to admit this was the movie I have been anticipating to see for the whole year, even a bit more than Iron Man 2. Why? Well, because Gladiator is my favorite movie of all time and Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven is in my top 10.
I have to say the 1st time I saw this movie I had mixed feelings about it. But after watching it online for a 2nd time, I liked it a lot more.
(SPOILERS!!!)
To kick things off the plot is that Robin Longstride (Crowe) is a archer in the Third Crusade. Following the death of Richard the Lionheart in battle, Robin and three other common soldiers, Alan A'Dale (Doyle), Will Scarlett (Grimes), and Little John (Durand), attempt to return to their homeland, having spent ten years fighting. Along the way they are ambushed by the King's guard by Sir Godfrey (Strong), an English Knight with French lineage and allegiance. Godfrey is a French agent for the King of France and was supposed to kill Richard. Having discovered the King is already slain Sir Godfrey is chased off by the arrival of Robin and his companions. Aiming to return to England safely and richer in pocket than they left it, Robin and his men steal the armour of the slain Knights and head for the English ships on the coast under the guise of noblemen. Upon arrival in England, Robin witnesses the crowning of King John (Isaac), who is the younger brother of the recently-deceased Richard. The arrogant King John shows no remorse to his poor Kingdom and demands harsh taxes to be collected, sending Sir Godfrey off to the North with the task of raising revenue. Unbeknownst to King John, Sir Godfrey is an agent of the French King and uses this Royal Decree to stir up enough unrest to cause Civil War in England. Robins heads to Nottingham and later meets Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett). Robin fights off the French invasion King John declares Robin a outlaw. In response to this, Robin moves to Sherwood Forest with Lady Marion and his friends to form what will become the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. (Sequel!!!)
(END OF SPOILERS!!!)
Now as for the actors, they were all good. I liked Cate Blanchett the most and the rest were good to including Durand, Strong, and Isacc. The other actors were OK.
Russell Crowe is the problem I have with the film. He was good and gave a great performance but he's just to old for the role of Robin Hood. Robin Hood did not start being a outlaw when he was 46 years old, he started in his 20's and 30's. While Crowe is one of my favorite actors, he's just to old for Robin Hood. By the time the sequel comes around he will be almost 50 years old. I don't know what Scott was thinking. This is just my personal opinion but for the role of Robin Hood I would have cast Christian Bale. Crowe's to old for the role, plain and simple.
As usual with a Scott film, the costumes and battles are impressive. The cinematography is great and Ridley Scott did a great job. There is some humor in the film and the chemistry between Blanchett and Crowe was really good.
Overall, if you loved Scott's other films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven than this movie is for you. But if you didn't like them and you don't really like films that take place in ancient times and have big epic sword battles, etc., then this movie isn't for you. I liked it because I like these kind of movies. While Russell Crowe isn't exactly the best Robin Hood, he did a good job. Congrats to Scott for another great film!
-3 out of 4 stars-
