The Bat Cave

Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt
Director: Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien, Blade Runner)
Quick Thoughts: Who is Robin Hood? I grew up thinking he was a fox, but then he was Dances With Wolves and now he’s Maximus? No, seriously, he’s Maximus in this movie. Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood can probably be best described as a cross between Braveheart and Gladiator though not as good as either of those films. I didn’t realize this was an origin film until it ended and that answered a lot of the questions I was having. Why is Robin Hood riding around on a horse with a sword in plain view instead of sneaking around with a bow and arrow? I thought King John was his mortal enemy? What does a French enemy have to do with any of this? By the end of the film, it all made sense to me and that raised my appreciation of what I thought was already an enjoyable film. While it doesn’t pack the emotional punch of Gladiator, there’s definitely a feel good, underdog rising to power story here. There’s not much to be said of Crowe’s performance; there’s nothing he’s doing here we didn’t see him do in Gladiator already. Cate Blanchett is good as always as Maid Marion and the rest of Robin’s Merry gang is solidly represented. I really expected this movie to suck, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself liking it. I don’t know if Ridley Scott has made the definitive Robin Hood movie, but I wouldn’t mind seeing his continued take on the legend.
Viewings: 1
Replay Value: I’d probably watch it again, but I’m not going to rush out to buy it.
Sequel Potential: I don’t think there is a plan for a sequel, but there’s obviously a lot more story to tell. I wouldn’t mind seeing it.
Oscar Potential: No nominations for anything outside of the Teen Choice Awards.
Nudity: None.
Grade: 6/10 (Recommended)
Recommendation: No one was really talking about this after it was released, so I was expecting a disaster. I liked it though and I have no problem recommending it as a solid adventure telling the origin story of a legend.