FORGET the green tights or Brian Adams tinkling the ivories, Robin Hood has gone gritty in this week's arrow-slinging release.
When Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), archer in the army of King Richard the Lionheart, returns from the crusades to notify the Loxley family of Nottingham of the death of their son, he is persuaded to take the place of the dead knight to ensure the safety of the family land.
But a plot by the French to divide and invade England while the petulant King John rules the country soon threatens Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Can the country be united to defeat the French threat?
Historical epic
Ridley Scott has become synonymous with the historical epic following the phenomenon of Gladiator and the ambitious though flawed Kingdom Of Heaven.
With Robin Hood, the same atmospheric pallets and lone-choral score remain intact; while swooping shots over the English countryside and subtle CG enhancements bring the period to life.
Bone-crushing hits and sword splicing sounds ramp up the intensity of the battles. But while the initial siege of the castle marks an action highlight, the film soon trails off into a slow burn fictional history lesson rather than the kinetic adventure film suggested.
Origins
Re-inventing the tales of 'Robin of the Hood' who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, Scott's incarnation acts more like an origin story for the legend.
From the castles of France and the quiet hamlets of northern England to the southern coast; a lack of Sherwood Forrest shenanigans or run-ins with the Sheriff of Nottingham confounds assumptions and may leave some audience members disappointed (although the door is open for more adventures more in-line with expectations of what a Robin Hood film is).
One thing Robin Hood does have in common with it's Kevin Costner starring Hollywood predecessor is dodgy accents.
While Crowe mostly nails the Midlands dialect, occasional waverings sharply jar - as do the attempted accents of his 'Merry Men'.
It is left to Cate Blanchett to keep the steady tone throughout while shining in her role.
Fiery but controlled, and bringing touching and comedic moments as well; she sinks into the Marian role admirably.
Crowe may not bring anything new to the table, but his gravel-voiced pensiveness and rugged appearance suit the character perfectly.
Where Robin Hood suffers is the length. At around two hours and 20 minutes, even the most ardent archery fans may be squirming in their seats.
But as a period piece with plenty of punch, it could be the start of a stunning franchise.
6/10 - Just on target.