I know this was in the theaters ages ago but being a mom, I hardly ever get out to the movies and when I do it’s for something I REALLY want to see.  I can’t often justify the cost of a movie plus snacks (it’s outrageous) especially when I can just wait a couple of months and rent the DVD.

I rented this from Redbox (a genius idea, I’ll have to do a post about it).

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect.  I’d seen the previews and it looked like yet another Robin Hood but with a little more realism especially with the technology available for films today.  I hoped it wasn’t yet another of the same old Robin Hood tales we’ve all seen but wasn’t really sure what angle would be taken.

Without revealing too much of the movie, they did a fair job.  It’s definitely one to have waited for the DVD and although it won’t go in my list of “must see again” movies, it’s worth staying on it for a few minutes when it finally hits TV.

The acting is done very well, no real complaints there and although you have your standard, familiar characters – this movie does an excellent job of characterization and building up the story.  This story is the precursor to Robin Hood’s famous stealing from the rich and giving to the poor mantra and it gave another side to consider in the whole plight for equality in that era.  It humanized so many more of the well-known characters and gave rise and credence to some of the finer conflicts and politics.

I think I’d give the move a 3 out of 5 stars.  It’s worth watching and definitely is set up for a second in the series but won’t have you drooling for the next installment.

As for scenes etc. if you are considering sharing with kids:  the movie is obviously PG-13 and the rating fits.  The language isn’t over the top but there are some war scenes, violence, and some sexual contexts as well as visuals which fit war and that time frame.  No overtly extended scenes, just some quick panning and some inferences.