Russell Crowe in Robin Hood

Is anyone else saying, “Yay!”? Well, I remember the old Robin Hood (yikes! that was many moons ago!). You know the one with Kevin Costner and that catchy Bryan Adams song. (Loved that song! So did everyone else who got married that year.) Even though I loved that film, not everybody else did. In fact, in some circles, Kevin Costner was panned for everything from his hood to his higgledy piggledy English accent. Unfortunately, his credibility as a top box office draw went into decline with Waterworld and The Postman. No Dances with Wolves either of them, though The Postman was waaay better than Waterworld. Sorry, KC.

Kevin Costner in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves 1991

I also remember thinking KC’s version of the man in tights (remember that spoof flick with Carey Elwes, Robin Hood Men In Tights? LOL’s!) was really good. I mean, what was there not to love? You had Robin of the Hood himself, his merry men and a love story between Robin Hood and the fabled Maid Marian. It was a movie about the complicated relationships we have with the people in our lives, and how events in our lives can lead to one defining moment. It had a killer soundtrack (I still like to write to that score), and great actors, and more than a few good laughs. It was a movie about bravery, courage, sacrifice, swashbuckling action, fable, myth and lore. You got some back story on how Robert Locksley became champion of the poor — which was very intriguing because Robin Hood’s origins were shrouded in mystery. Even now there is intense scrutiny as to whether or not Robin Hood actually existed. The movie spawned a whole bevy of documentaries about Who really was Robin Hood? Those docs spoke of an actual real Robert of Locksley and pointed to the fact that the bandit of Sherwood Forest could in actual fact be real. For me, a history buff, it just didn’t get any better than that. AND, Costner’s Robin Hood movie was romantic! I was 15 and I still existed in a dreamy fog where love conquers all.

Cary Elwes in Robin Hood Men in Tights 1993

Yet even back then in the tenderness of my youth, I felt that there was something missing. There was a part of me that I am only familiar with now that wanted more. How can I not get more when my dream cast is in this reboot of Robin Hood? I get some serious shivers of thrilled delight and anticipation at the thought of watching the synergy these talented people will create on screen! I believe Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe and

Cate Blanchett as Marion Loxley in Robin Hood

Cate Blanchett (everything she touches turns to gold!) will give me the rush and satisfaction I’ve been yearning for in a Robin Hood movie. Why do I have faith? Let’s just say it’s because   Gladiator fit the bill for me in every way, which is another Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe collaboration. Was I not entertained? Oh, hell yes! Gladiator was gritty and honest and fierce, even excruciating at times, so I am hopeful for the same experience with this version of Robin of the Hood. I couldn’t define what I wanted when I was a kid, but I can definitely give voice to it now. History was a brutal place, humans fought hard for the civility we have now. When I step into my time machine and go to the movies, I want some truth in my epic historical fantasy depictions. I want to see the struggle, feel the pain and endure the sacrifice. I want to taste the triumph and revel in the glory. I want to feel like I was there. If we’re going to do a movie about rising up against tyranny, and the oppressed fighting for justice and equality, let’s do it then. Will I get what I’m looking for in this version? If I was a betting woman, I’d bet that this movie will be a kick a** Robin Hood flick! Not to say, however, that KC’s version doesn’t still hold a very fond place in my heart.

Anyhoo, that is my essay on my excitement to see Robin Hood. And to prove my point that there is still an intense interest in just who was this hooded hero?, History TV is airing a 2 hour documentary exploring the Robin Hood legend. Case closed. Robin Hood rocks. Can’t wait to see Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood break out that famous bow! Long live the outlaw! This is your Brighter Scribe signing off to watch the History Channel!

~”Rise and rise again until lambs become lions.” ~ Russell Crowe in Robin Hood

If you had to choose between these 3 movies:

Gladiator

Gladiator

A Beautiful Mind

A Beautiful Mind

and

3:10 to Yuma

3 10 to Yuma

which would be your favorite?

Want to do a fun poll? Leave a comment and let me know what your fave is! Once you see Robin Hood, do you think that will be your new fave?

Spartacus

What an episode! I was blown away, horrified, speechless! It was a jolly good time. I knew sooner or later Mira would get what she wanted. Boy can she haggle. She came through though. Everyone either got what they wanted or deserved in the end (by Roman standards, at least!). The only thing I had issue with was how Crixus dealt with Lucretia. I think a sword to the heart would have been in better taste, but, that last sword thrust was the horror and violence and depraved, decrepit, corrupt cesspool that was ancient Rome. Oh yes, this episode erupted in utter lawlessness.

I will miss Lucy Lawless and John Hannah. They were sublime in their roles.

Batiatus

Lucretia

Two people I will enjoy seeing again are Ashur (oh, and I am ashamed to say I did feel a moment’s pity for him) and Ilithyia. I knew she was going to murder Lucretia. The question was when and how.

Ilithyia

Both Ashur and Ilithyia are just so deliciously evil! They are fitting and quite formidable nemeses for Spartacus.

Ashur

They are both vicious and dangerous serpents. So very devious! Next season should be delicious.

I did chuckle a little at the spoiled whelp Numerius being bespelled to his death by Aurelia. His adolescent inexperience with women was his downfall. Wasn’t he surprised that the sweet little slave girl went ballistic on him. (Oh, this show has made me bloodthirsty! I’m wincing!) She just lost it! And where does this leave Doctore? Just when things were looking up, he’s out of a job and any promises made to him are null and void. He better watch out for Ashur who we know will land on his feet.

Doctore

Spartacus’ final words to Batiatus was whip topping on the whole thing. The tension has been building and leading to this ultimate showdown (and there were quite a few worthy ones in the finale!) all season, that when it finally arrived, it was like Zeus passing horrible judgment — fitting, terrifying and final. The death tableau of Batiatus and Lucretia being denied each other was masterful. So poetic. Batiatus definitely had no doubt Spartacus would have no mercy. He felt what Spartacus felt. The coup de grace was Batiatus never having the chance to hold his own wife in his arms as she died, or one last time before his own death. This meeting of justice was the cherry on top. But was it vengeance? Or was it revenge?

Spartacus

Spartacus’ final speech to the slaves and gladiators made it very clear that Spartacus believed firmly it was justice. Justified vengeance sure and true. Lo to any and all who who stood in that villa that represented what Spartacus hated most.  An eye for an eye. Ruthless. No mercy. And we see it again and again throughout history. Men oppressed will give everything for freedom.

Crixus

Spartacus, Crixus and their staunch and determined group of slaves put an end to decadence, oppression and death at the careless whims of the corrupt elite. In the eyes of Spartacus, his cause was just.

To me, the tantalizing part of this whole season is that Spartacus’ justice was mingled with hate and rage and twisted by grief. I’m sure at times he was a little unhinged. (But I’m sure there are many who would go crazy living within the brutality of the ludus.) Spartacus would have his vengeance no matter the cost. His vengeance and revenge was all finely coalesced  and merged, flowing together like the water and the blood in the pools of the villa, until I couldn’t see where one ended and the other began. One thing was for certain, I could well imagine the sick feeling winding low and gripping the stomachs of the Roman aristocracy unfortunate enough to be trapped in the house of Batiatus. I was trembling in fear alright.

Spartacus Blood and Sand

Spartacus really did kill them all. Bring on Season 2.

~P.S.~ We do wish Andy Whitfield a full recovery. Get well and stay strong.

*All images via Starz Entertainment and Ausxip.com.*