"Robin Hood" (2018) Movie Review

Sometimes there's a problem with a film that is fixed within a few minutes or a couple scenes. Every now and then, though, there will be a problem with a film that is like a celluloid virus, stretching across the entire reel, degrading what should be the heart of the film. Sadly, Taron Egerton's Robin Hood has exactly this problem.

The film serves as an origin story, detailing Robin of Loxley's time in battle during the crusades, how he became Robin Hood, and the legend that came with his selflessness.

I was already on the fence about the film. The trailer looked like the film would be fun and, in a lot of ways, it was. I love Taron Egerton in literally anything he does and that held true for this film. Taron was by far the best part about the entire thing. Jamie Foxx has become a strong lead actor in his career and I was looking forward to seeing him in this. Ben Mendelsohn is perhaps one of the best actors to portray multiple villains throughout his career. In just the past couple years, he's played the downright evil Krennic in Rogue One and the conniving company head Sorrento in Ready Player One. Now, he's the Sheriff of Nottingham out to capture Robin Hood. All these things got me hyped for the film. What made me doubt it was that it was advertised as more of a one-man medieval war film. Even for Robin Hood, that seems a bit far-fetched. Also, Foxx's leading-man persona didn't shine in this film. In fact, he was barely in it at all. John was Robin's right-hand man. He should have been by his side instead of lurking behind the scenes.

Robin Hood reminded me of the film adaptation of Assassin's Creed. It had a few positive story elements but overall was a letdown in writing, however, it had a ton of great action sequences with a few witty moments.

In conclusion, the acting and the action were wonderful but don't expect much more than complete simplicity when it comes to the story. I give the film a 2 out of 4.