Robin Hood

No, not the foxes or men in tights, but this time it's Russell Crowe. While it was no Master and Commander, the new Robin Hood is a great movie. This version tells the story of the outlaw before his outlaw days. It's complete with a token "bad guy" (Mark Strong, Sherlock Holmes) and fair maiden (Cate Blanchett, every movie about Queen Elizabeth that's been made in the last five years).

Though it had the archetypal Robin Hood characters of Friar Tuck and Little John, they did not have dominant roles. The movie was around 2 hours and 20 minutes, but it didn't drag. The fight scenes were believable and impressive; and the love between Maid Marion and Robin Hood actually made sense and was based on more than just looks.

It definitely needs a sequel.

QUICKIES

"Rise and rise again until lambs become lions."

Fun Facts:

Apart from Russell Crowe, both Christian Bale and Sam Riley were considered for the part.

At 45 Russell Crowe is the oldest actor to ever play Robin Hood.

Originally Russell Crowe was considered to play both Robin Hood and Sheriff of Nottingham.

Before Sienna Miller was cast as Maid Marion, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Blunt, Angelina Jolie, Zooey Deschanel, and Natalie Portman were considered. After Miller dropped out before filming due to production delays that caused scheduling conflicts, Annabelle Wallis, Rachel Weisz, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Marion Cotillard and Charlize Theron were rumored to take over, before the part eventually went to Cate Blanchett.