When soldier Robin happens upon the dying Robert of Loxley, he promises to return the man's sword to his family in Nottingham. There, he assumes Robert's identity; romances his widow, Marion; and draws the ire of the town's sheriff and King John's henchman, Godfrey.
We never even get to see Robin steal from the rich and give to the poor. That's because the film is a prequel in search of a sequel. With any luck, we won't get one.
– Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
3 Jan 2011
rotten:
The film is pretty, and there are a few solid moments every hour. But considered as a work of cinema, with paid professionals involved, it's an extremely lackluster story.
– Laremy Legel,
Film.com,
26 May 2010
fresh:
Yes, it's dour, but it's also gritty and not nearly as silly as most "Robin Hood" adaptations.
– Richard Roeper,
Richard Roeper.com,
21 May 2010
rotten:
"And so the legend begins," the new movie tells us at the end. But it's too late.
– Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
17 May 2010
rotten:
Robin and Marian are played by a scowling Russell Crowe and a grim Cate Blanchett, who has the face of a wooden squaw stained by decades of cigar smoke. I can't remember a more un-fun-looking couple.