Robin Hood (2018)

(Video on-Demand, December 2019) Every generation gets the Robin Hood movie that they deserve, and we don’t deserve anything better than a juiced-up action movie prequel with a protagonist named Robin Hood. Most of the expected elements are in place, what with “Robin of Loxley,” his girlfriend Marian, friend Friar Tuck, Moor mentor John, antagonist Sheriff of Nottingham and a corrupt royalty at the top. In terms of execution, however, this is where this Robin Hood distinguishes itself by embracing all the clichés of the moment, from a grim-dark visual atmosphere despite a lighthearted tone, special-effects-driven action sequences, insouciant anachronisms and young actors showcased as if they had somehow obtained superstardom. (I mean: Taron Egerton?) But while all Hollywood movies are ridiculous to some degree, Robin Hood is far more ridiculous than most. Yet another louder-hotter-sexier contemporary take on familiar material, it’s sometimes amusing, often frustrating and generally forgettable. The schizophrenic modernistic presentation of the film compared to its more traditional script does nothing but make us wonder if a modern or futuristic version of Robin Hood would have been preferable. It’s not necessarily a good thing that the film ends as “the familiar” form of Robin Hood is put in place, with a band of outlaws hiding from the Sheriff of Nottingham and ready to redistribute some riches. But at least the film is better, funnier, more interesting and far more entertaining than the dull gritty 2010 version of the story. Maybe, someday, we’ll get a Robin Hood that we can all enjoy without reservations.