Hammer films reboot the Robin Hood story but the final result is a long way from Batman Begins. A cast of no-names (seriously, even Michael Ripper isn't in this) - the crew aren't familiar either. Barrie Ingham is one in a series of uninspiring middle aged stars for Hammer around this time (well, he was 35) - Edward Judd being another one. In this version Robin is a Norman who is distrusted by the Saxons even though he does things like stopping a little boy be skewered with an arrow. However, they start to come around after he becomes an outlaw due to his nasty brother wanting him out of the will. They go to live in Sherwood forest, he decides on the name Robin Hood, makes easy friends with Friar Tuck but it takes longer for Little John (Leon Free) to come around.
There's a brunette Maid Marian, a sing-a-long around the campsite from the merrie men, Australia's own Reg Lye as Much. Robin is given command of the gang very easily, Robin rescues Will Scarlet rather than Maid Marian (this film is big on bromance), the finale is reminiscent of The Prisoner of Zenda with Robin storming a castle via swimming through the swamp, Alan a Dale has a bigger part than usual, the villain is smart.
It's a bit bland a lot of the time and the low budget hurts - you really want teams of extras in a Robin Hood movie. It also lacks star power and zing. It does have a nice shade of dark green.
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