Watch Robin Hood

Robin Hood from 2018 is a thrilling and action-packed retelling of the Robin Hood legend. Directed by Otto Bathurst, the film stars Taron Egerton as the titular character, Jamie Foxx as his trusted companion Little John, and Ben Mendelsohn as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. The story begins with Robin of Loxley, a wealthy lord who is drafted into the Crusades by the English crown. After four years of fighting, he returns to England to find that his home has been seized by the Sheriff of Nottingham and his fiancee, Marian (Eve Hewson), believes he is dead.

Determined to reclaim his home and win back his love, Robin begins to work with John, a Moorish commander, to bring down the Sheriff and his corrupt regime. They soon find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as Robin assumes the guise of "The Hood" and becomes a symbol of hope for the people of Nottingham.

The film is set in a strikingly modern and stylised version of medieval England, with flashy costumes, high-tech weaponry, and an eclectic soundtrack featuring contemporary pop songs. This modern take on the legend feels fresh and exciting, even as it leans heavily into the genre conventions of the action-adventure film.

Egerton brings a charismatic energy to the role of Robin Hood, imbuing the character with a roguish charm and a fierce sense of justice. Foxx is equally engaging as John, a wise mentor figure with a tragic past. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their bromance one of the film's strongest assets.

Mendelsohn is reliably menacing as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and the film does a good job of fleshing out his backstory and motivations. Hewson's Marian is also a welcome addition to the story, offering a strong-willed and independent love interest who is more than just a damsel in distress.

The action scenes are the film's biggest draw, with director Bathurst staging a series of thrilling set-pieces that are both inventive and visceral. From a daring heist at the Sheriff's moneyed stronghold to a high-speed chase through the streets of Nottingham, the film delivers on its promise of high-octane action.

However, the film does suffer from some pacing issues, particularly in the middle act where the plot meanders and the stakes feel less urgent. Additionally, the film's attempts at social commentary - such as its condemnation of the military-industrial complex and its portrayal of the corrupt upper classes - feel heavy-handed and underdeveloped.

Overall, Robin Hood from 2018 is a fun and entertaining entry in the canon of Robin Hood adaptations. While it may not be a particularly deep or nuanced film, it delivers on its promise of swashbuckling adventure and modern flair. Fans of action movies and medieval fantasies are sure to find plenty to enjoy here.

Robin Hood is a 2018 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 32.