Image courtesy thefilmbuzz.com.

Moviegoers may have been unpleasantly surprised this past weekend after viewing director Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated and ultimately failed rendition of “Robin Hood.”

Russell Crowe, the ruggedly handsome Aussie whom most people recognize as the toga-wearing General Maximus from his Oscar-winning performance in “Gladiator,” now plays the title role in “Robin Hood.”  Crowe, a seasoned professional at period pieces, dons bows and arrows instead of a sword, but unfortunately the mastery of this weapon of choice is only seen twice – a rarity for the legendary archer.

In this interpretation, Robin is actually Robin Longstride, and his band of merry men only consists of four loyal soldiers. In 13th century England, after the death of King Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) and the rise of his younger brother Prince John (Oscar Isaac), Robin and his four sidekicks take to the roads on horseback swearing allegiance only to themselves. But when they learn that the king of France is scheming with one of Prince John’s most trusted advisers to take over the country, Robin and his men find themselves at the forefront in a battle of liberty for England and its people.

The story as most people know it is hardly what this movie portrays. There is no stealing from the rich and giving to the poor as previous movies drew so heavily on. Instead, viewers see how the man behind the “Hood” came to be. Robin starts out as an archer in King Richard’s army. His character is hard to grasp at first because he shows a sense of selfishness rather than a continuing allegiance to England, but his honesty when confronted by the king shows Robin is of good moral character.

After Robin and his men part from the army, they encounter an ambush on King Richard’s men by soldiers serving the king of France. King Richard’s men, led by Sir Robert Loxley (Douglas Hodge), attempt to make their way back to England to deliver the crown of the deceased king. It is here that viewers learn of the plot growing between the king of France and Prince John’s adviser, Godfrey (Mark Strong).

The continuous scene changes that go back and forth between England and France make the plot hard to understand. Unless viewers are familiar with the territories of both countries, confusion and frustration will ensue, leaving the audience members desperate to figure out where they are in the film.

As Loxley takes his last few breaths, he asks Robin to deliver his sword to his father, Sir Walter Loxley of Nottingham (Max von Sydow). The quote embedded in the sword sparks an old memory of Robin’s that sets him off on a journey to uncover the childhood he has long forgotten. The death of Robert Loxley, a man of which only few have known but truly admired, gives Robin the audacity to steal Loxley’s identity and use it as his own to reach Nottingham.

The battle scenes in this film are extravagant in detail, and one can expect no less from a director like Scott. The landscape makes for a great backdrop as hundreds of men ride on horseback into battle, but the amount of bloodshed in this movie is hardly enough to satisfy viewers’ appetites. Unfortunately, this movie cannot compare to the scenes that took place in the Coliseum in Rome. The similarities between these movies, however, are the main character’s fight for justice and the lack of romance.

Lady Marion, well-played by Cate Blanchett, is a matriarch in a time when women held no favor. She is the lady of the Loxley manor, taking care of the household along with her blind father-in-law while her husband (Robert Loxley) is off in battle.

Marion is the strong-willed protector of her village who refuses to give into England’s unfair taxation laws, which are stripping citizens of their livelihood. In essence, Robin and Marion are a perfect match because of their devotion to the people, but how they come to fall in love plays out awkwardly.

A proposal made by Walter Loxley keeps Robin in Nottingham. The terms of the agreement are for Robin to continue to act as his son, in all aspects – even in regards to faking his marriage to Marion – and in return, Loxley will share with Robin what he knows of his lost childhood. Marion, only hours after finding out that her husband has died, is appalled by this agreement yet obediently but cautiously agrees to play her part.

Within a short time, viewers see trust and admiration growing in the relationship between these two characters, and amidst mutual antagonism and witty banter, both characters come to love and respect each other as equals. Marion’s appearance in the final battle adorned in armor on horseback shows the equality and understanding of their relationship as they fight for their people side by side.

“Robin Hood” is not particularly exciting for those expecting to see the whole package of action, plot and romance. It is an average movie with above average actors who do not rise to the occasion to give the legend of Robin Hood the story it truly deserves.

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“Robin Hood”

Rated PG-13

Genre: Action, Adventure

Speakeasy Rating: C+