'Beyond Sherwood Forest'
(Robin Dunne, Erica Durance, Katharine Isabelle, Julian Sands, et al / DVD / NR / (2009) 2010 / Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Overview: 12th Century England: It is a deadly time of dark tyranny, black magic and the outlaw archer known as Robin Hood. But when the Sheriff of Nottingham unleashes a winged monster upon the nearby town and woods to massacre Robin’s men and capture Maid Marian, hearts run cold with fear and streets red with blood. Before he can rob from the rich or give to the poor, can The Prince Of Thieves survive the demonic onslaught of a winged beast from another world?
DVD: OK, from the off, Robin Hood, Little John and Gareth are sympathetic characters, outlaws, but with humor and ethics. The Sheriff is cruel and ominous, his selfishness is only surpassed by his heartless treatment of the dragon and others. Prince John is sleazy and simply disgusting in actions and appearance. I do think his bad skin was a bit much though! I mean, we would have hated him for his deeds without giving the poor guy small pox or whatever it was!
Although I didn't care for the killing off of Friar Tuck I thought it had its interesting takes on the Robin Hood mythos. Robin Dunne was above-adequate as Robin of Locksley and Erica Durance made an adventurous Marian. And with a CG dragon, the dark woods, and the fantasy element to the story, it does, in truth, make what is simply another adventure of the bold outlaw and his merry band to another level - just!
I think a larger budget could have made the scenery more convincing, but I understand in this day that money is tight ... and, wwhat's that you say, there's a bigger, badder, larger budget 'Robin Hood' film on its way into our cinemas starring Russell Crowe!? Well then, my prayers have obviously been answered, have they not, kinds Sirs! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) and enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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