Timing is everything, and this may be what Syfy was thinking when they greenlit “Robin Hood: Beyond Sherwood Forest.”
The movie is a retelling of the classic story, but this time — judging by the trailer that has been launched — it will be more “magical.”
This is a good time for this version of the story. For instance, at this very moment, there is a “Robin Hood” movie in the works, and Ridley Scott is making it.
Also, the BBC just finished its final season of “Robin Hood,” a very successful series with a multitude of followers.
One other good move from Syfy was getting Erica Durance of “Smallville” to play Maid Marian — Durance, after all, recently was declared one of TV Guide’s Sexiest Sci-Fi Women.
The trailer is very exciting and moves very quickly, and never gives away any scenes. It has all the classic imagery you would expect from a Robin Hood movie — castles, beautiful hills, soldiers riding horses (while wearing armor that doesn’t seem to fit well), fiery-tipped arrows being shot from bows and … dragons.
Yes, you read that right: dragons. They call it and ancient evil in the trailer, but it’s a dragon. In the movie’s defense, the trailer does say it is “the untold story of the worlds greatest outlaw,” so that kind of gives them the green light to have fun and this is exactly what this movie seems to be, fun.
The special effects look pretty good for both the “monster” and the sorcery effects.
This younger Robin is played by Robin Dunne. He is younger than Kevin Costner was and younger than the most recent Robin Hood on film, Russell Crowe. One other interesting difference picked up from the trailer is that he does not wear tights, its more like the Kevin Costner leather and clothe outfit, but with baggy pants, very baggy pants.
They don’t show much of Durance’s character, who is supposed to be very tough, “just one of the guys,” according to some interview I read. Instead, she seems sad and scared. Nevertheless, it will be interesting hearing her speak with an English accent and being medieval.
Julian Sands (who will be joining co-star Erica Durance on “Smallville” in Season 9) seems to be portraying a new and important character in this movie.
“Robin Hood: Beyond Sherwood Forest” will draw its bow on Nov. 28 on SyFy.
Follow Josue Sanchez on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Josue_can.
Well done Josue! But frankly if I wasn’t a fan of Erica Durance and just curious to see her in this new role, I wouldn’t even give this movie a second look.
Thanks Josue! This is new to me, I had not heard about it until now.I hope it comes to Australia!
Well done. Have you ever considered a writing job. You are a force to reckoned with. Looking forward to seeing even more now.
I agree with Lynn, Durance is the only thing that interests me about the movie.
Great job Josue! I am curious to see Erica Durance play Maid Marian with an English accent.
Looks ok but I’ll watch it because I’m a Robin Hood nut.
Great job! Very well written article.I may have to check this out just to see Erica in a different genre.
I can’t wait. I’m so totally there for the original super hero! Robin looks cute and young! (A far cry, I’m afraid of what Robin in the upcoming movie will be!) And Erica Durance as Maid Marion…well, ED can do no wrong in my book! I want a sequel already and I haven’t even seen this!
All this and dragons too!
Well done, Josue! Can’t wait for the movie to come out, especially with Durance starring. Great review!
Thank you all for the lovely comments, I have watched pretty bad movies on Syfy, so this looks like a step up. I’m looking forward to it! And it stars Erica Durance to whom wich I am loyal. I really don’t know the othere actors in the movie besides her. And Robin looks Justin Timberlake-ish, but I love JT, so it’s cool. lol I am on the other hand a fan of Rodin Hood and it’s charachter. So I have seen almost all the other incarnations. We will see how this turns out. Go Erica!! Ahem, I mean Robin Hood! lol
Thanks Josue:). I love Erica and I definitely look forward to seeing this movie. It looks really good!
Great job, Josue! I’m looking so forward to the movie. Erica looks fantastic!
Great job on the article. I like how you tied the Robin Hood movies together. Can’t wait to see how Erica Durance acts outside of Smallville.
Hey you! Nice surprise to read your article! Love it and I must agree with Lynn, and many others here. As a fan of Erica Durance of course I’ll watch it gladly. Also really curious about Erica’s English accent ๐ Great article Josue. ๐
Great Job on the article, Josue. I’m not big a fan of Robin Hood and I’m not sure about trailer; yet because I’m Durance fan, I might tune in.
Excellent article Josue!! I for one, love Robin Hood character and follow (at least try to) his every incarnation. These “magical” elements may give the myth new levels and that’s a big plus for me. But the biggest one of course is having Erica Durance as Maid Marian!!! She has grown so much as an actress and it’s good seeing her beyond the realms of Smallville. Thanks for the wonderful review, will be looking forward to this movie.
Nice review Josue. I never heard of this movie, but now I’m curious and want to check it out. I like the spin of dragons, brings a new spark to the Robin Hood series. I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks again Josue!
Loving your review Josue – will deffo be watching!!
My son has gone to Sherwood Forest today! ๐
Great article Josue! I love these type of movies, and knowing that Erica Durance is playing Maid Marian w/ an English accent makes it even better. ๐
Actually a much better SyFy movie (still hate the new name) than I expected. I can barely watch most of the movies this channel puts out because the effects are so crappy but they were above average in this movie. To be honest I only checked it out due to Erica and she did a good job. I was hoping to see a bit more of her juggs but no go this time around. Movie overall is worth a look.