KEVIN REYNOLDS

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

USA, 1991.  Warner Bros., Morgan Creek Entertainment.  Story by Pen Densham, Screenplay by Pen Densham, John Watson.  Cinematography by Douglas Milsome.  Produced by Pen Densham, Richard Barton Lewis, John Watson.  Music by Michael Kamen.  Production Design by John Graysmark.  Costume Design by John Bloomfield.  Film Editing by Peter Boyle.  

Even the simplest of history buffs can point out the many inaccuracies and inconsistencies in this rousing film adventure, starting with the decidedly non-British performance by lead Kevin Costner.  His wooden acting aside, this film is far behind Michael Curtiz’s Errol Flynn swashbuckler but still an enjoyable cinema treat. Returning from fighting in the crusades, Robin of Locksley discovers that the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman, who walks away with the film) has taken advantage of King Richard’s absence in the war and is imposing tyrannical rule on the people in his kingdom. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Robin and his sworn Moorish companion (Morgan Freeman) gather together some rebels in the woods of Sherwood Forest to fight the evil Sheriff and get the land back in order. Naturally, Robin Hood is also a tale of romance, and the help provided to our hero by a gracious noblewoman named Marian (a spirited Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) gives him plenty of opportunity to indulge in the world of sweet love. Great acting (by everyone else) and beautiful photography are combined with energetic direction and a rousing score by Michael Kamen, highlighted by Bryan Adams’ hit theme song ‘Everything I Do I Do It For You’.

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Original Song (“[Everything I Do] I Do It For You”)

Golden Globe Award Nominations:  Best Original Score; Best Original Song (“[Everything I Do] I Do It For You”)