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Archive for the ‘in-production’ Category

Because, unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

The trailer for Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood (2010) took the internet by storm today. Everyone is talking about the costumes, the leading couple (played by Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett), and the giant explosions that leave the trailer (here) barely coherent. We are left to guess whether Russell Crowe can even do a real British accent. As for Blanchett – the back of her head looks very nice. Maybe in the next teaser we’ll actually get to see more of her face.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. The truth is, I’m actually kind of excited about this movie. I’ve been a fan of the Robin Hood mythology since I was old enough to sneak attack the good for nothing nobility (read: the family pets) for trespassing through Sherwood forest (read: the living room).

I have always wished for a Robin Hood film that dared to break the mould and show the raucous, gritty, adventurous side of the legendary figure – none of this theatrical, over-staged nonsense. I may get my wish in Ridley Scott’s brainchild, but the Michael Bay effect of the trailer leaves me slightly skeptical … and slightly dizzy, but that’s probably due to all of the hyper-editing. Seriously, I know we’re trying to be vague, but it would be nice to see something. I guess I’ll have to wait for the rest of the footage the studio is sure to “leak” before this movie hits theaters.

In the meantime, I’ve decided to fill the marauder shaped void in my life by looking back at this capeless crusader’s reign in American cinema.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): No one buckles a swash quite like Errol Flynn. Add Olivia de Havilland and you have one classy tale of knights, swordplay, and petty theft. The duels are very well choreographed and the Sheriff’s minions couldn’t hit a barn at twenty paces, even adjusting for the limited velocity of an arrow. (Somehow, I don’t think that heroes are supposed to be able to out run them.) But the dialogue is campy, the costumes are pre-Weta, and it’s worth every minute.

Robin Hood (1973): I think I am one of the few people in the world who loves one this movie. It is one of Disney’s most overlooked gems. Sure, the folk songs are not everyone’s cup of tea, but the comedic chemistry between Robin Hood and Little John is great, and Maid Marian does more than stand there and scream. This movie also gains distinction for being one of the the rare Disney cartoons that doesn’t center around a Princess (but that’s another blog post entirely).

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991): This movie has ruined my ability to watch Severus Snape without bursting into random fits of laughter. Really, Alan Rickman, REALLY!?!?!? I probably shouldn’t beat up on him too much, since he is the best thing this movie has going for itself. Kevin Costner shows the world (like we needed more evidence) that the mullet can only be worn well by Billy Ray Cyrus. His accent is decidedly Yankee and he’s generally better just not talking at all. Not to mention, the “giant” plot twist. I told a friend about this one while we were watching … she thought I was joking … poor, poor, disillusioned woman. Still, it’s a must see if you want to fully appreciate the genius that is the next film on our list.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993): Mel Brooks clearly ran out of a Prince of Thieves screening with all of the comedic fodder that he needed for this gem. Carey Ewles is brilliant and he knows it – in a good way. Dave Chapelle hams it up as the Hood’s sidekick, Ahchoo. Three cheers for the Sherriff’s mole and Marion’s chastity belt!

Shrek (2001): The scene isn’t long and Robin Hood is French, but … he gets the crap kicked out of him by Cameron Diaz. That along makes this movie worth watching.

-Stephanie

*The post has been edited. Thanks Harmony for catching the error.

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Where has all the rum gone?

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Well it looks like there may be another Pirates on the horizon. Why? Who knows. But do we really need another one? Let’s do a quick recap. First we had the Curse of the Black Pearl. What an incredible movie. I think I was actually still in High School when that came out, yes I am dating myself here. Anyway, I went to go see it with a good friend of mine. She convinced me that I had to watch this film. I was skeptical when I walked into the theatre, but by the time Elizabeth fell off the cliff I was quite enjoying myself. The reason that was such a great film was because it had a good plot, well written script, great character development, and swashbuckling. Then sadly we had to have a sequel. Dead Man’s Chest was the most aptly named of the trilogy. Dead plot, dead character development, dead script. The only thing semi-alive was the swashbuckling. I’ve only seen it once and I hope it stays that way. Then we move on to At World’s End. *Sigh* I have to say, I enjoyed the film as a dumb swashbuckling adventure that had no plot. But it was really awful. Of course having been left dangling in numero 2 we had to go and seek out Sparrow which left little room for improvement in the plot. I have to rip on Depp’s character for a moment here. By writing the “weirdness” into the script for Sparrow it really hurt his character. Character development plummeted drastically here.

So now here we are with three Pirate adventures behind us and perhaps another looming ahead. I am going to allow myself to hope though. Because at the end of World’s End we are left with the image of Jack Sparrow and Barbossa setting sail for the Fountain of Youth. If the script writers can manage to put together a decent plot that builds into Depp’s and Rush’s characters and leaves out Will and Elizabeth than maybe, just maybe we will be able to drink up me hearties yo ho!

Becca

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Coming soon

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Lights, camera, action! A friend of mine is working on a film that will be debuting in 2010. She’s offered to let me tag along with the film crew. I am really excited about this. Hopefully, everything will work out and I will be able to shadow them on their film. Living in New York for the past four years, I have seen many films being shot, but I’ve never been right up with the action. With that in mind, I hope to see what it is like being on set and seeing what goes into creating the shots. All of this to say, I hope that in the very near future, I’ll be able to give you a description of life behind the screen and perhaps a sneak preview of the film itself.