I'm unreasonably excited
at the prospect of seeing the new Robin Hood film this weekend. I know all the many reasons I shouldn't be, and I'm well aware of the myriad ways this particular version might go badly wrong, but I don't care.
I love the Robin Hood myth. I always have, for as far back as I have memories. To me, the heart of the it--a ragtag group with a charismatic leader standing up to an uncaring and all-powerful oppressor--is timeless and compelling and always ready for a fresh take. You can certainly see echoes of it in my Jon and Lobo books, where the two of them and their allies routinely fight for those who cannot protect themselves.
So, I'll ignore the reviews, watch Robin Hood Saturday night, and then report back with my take on it. Even if I don't generally like this particular version, though, I'm sure I will find things in it to love. After all, I found good moments in the Costner version, and that takes some doing.
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15 comments:
I just had that exact conversation with a co-worker!
Robin Hood will always have a special place in my heart. Erroll Flynn is my first Robin Hood (just as Tom Baker is my first Doctor) and he'll always hold pride of place, but I'll line up for any version. And, this will shock you, I liked (not loved) the Costner movie... I blame Alan Rickman.
I'll also watch any swashbuckling movie. Oh, and The Scarlet Pimpernel... Serenity... Slanted Jack...
This blog also explains why I love the Jon and Lobo books so much.
Bring on Russell Crowe... Or, more accurately, bring on Robin Hood!
Master and Commander is one of my favorite movies of all time - which I gratefully thank for introducing me to the finest historical fiction books ever written - The Aubrey/Maturin series.
Ticia - Ah - HANS GRUBER! But... Galaxy Quest is one of my favorite movies due to Alan Rickman. The man is amazing in his craft - I want to see him win an Academy award at some point.
I just wiki'd him - he's 64! I can't believe it! He looks so young!
I find that watching my government wage two counterinsurgencies has changed my appreciation of the Robin Hood myth. I now view "stealing from the rich and giving [some of it] to the poor" as simply good guerrilla strategy, much like the charity work that's made Hamas so popular in Palestine. As Mao said, the people are like water and the guerrilla is like the fish who swims among them.
Oh, come on. Kevin Costner's version had lovely moments. Whose heart didn't flutter at the end when Sean Connery appears as King Richard (I particularly thought it was apropos as he played an aging Robin Hood in Robin and Marion with Audrey Hepburn). I, am with Ticia. I love swashbucklers, and Errol Flynn was one of the best. I don't listen to critics, I think Russell Crowe will do a splendid job. (I love Alan Rickman in any role, including the Sheriff of Nottingham). However, not much tops Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Mel Brooks Rules!
I am also a huge Alan Rickman fan.
I have to agree, Kyle, that your perspective is valid. I still enjoy the romance of the myth.
Michelle, I loved Robin and Marian, but the Costner version was flat-out weak.
"I still enjoy the romance of the myth."
But Robin is a terrorist!
True enough, Kyle, he is, but in this case, I don't mind. In fact, I rather support this particular case.
Men in Tights is the Supreme re-telling of the tale, in my humble opinion! Mel is the MAN! A sample:
"Why are you going to win?"
"Because unlike some Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent!"
It is a wonderfully funny version.
I saw it tonight. I enjoyed it a great deal. Totally differnt take then any other version I've seen.
Enjoy it guys and gals.
I look forward to it!
Hm, you are either very busy or the movie was so bad as to not warrant your review.
Fair guesses, Andrew, but amazingly, neither is correct. My reaction is complicated enough that I wanted to take some time to think about it before I wrote the entry. I'll cover it tomorrow (Tuesday, May 18).
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