MOVIE: Robin Hood

If Russell Crowe should ever get tired of the Hollywood production wheel and just want to "phone-it-in" for a few years, I think we've found his schtik. Although the movie depicting the historical events that lead up to the legendary life of Robin Hood is nothing life his Oscar-buzzworthy performance in Gladiator, one can't help but notice the similarities. (Part of that might be because Robin Hood is also directed by Ridley Scott, the man behind Gladiator - not to mention American Gangster, which also featured Crowe.) Regardless, the man has a calling for epic battles occuring in other centuries.

Taking the ingenious perspective of discovering who Robin was before he became the "Prince of Thieves," the film allows the viewer to slowly piece together the bits of fiction that allegedly originated from fact. Featuring a fantastic supporting cast, including the always capabale and scene-stealing Cate Blanchett as Marion, the film does not apologize for its intelligence and proceeds at a managable yet purposed pace. The cinematography is beautiful, as much as medival woods and grey English countryside can be, and the filth of the era is well researched and respected.

My favorite scene occurs at the end of the film when Robin's burgeoning band of revolters come to blows with the Royal troops on the beach as the French soldiers are attemting to invade. Come to think of it, I've never seen a beach battle scen on film that didn't blow me away. I guess I've never seen a Robin Hood movie I've disliked either!

MOVIE: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Unfortunately many directors seem to believe that throwing together a bunch of blockbuster stars in one film will make for a great movie. There are umpteen ensemble films that can prove this wrong. Why do it then? My guess is that the story usually isn't very good, the budget is, and therefore, butts will be filling the seats. I mean, not everyone is a movie snob, like us here at Zonino! right?

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 throws together Hollywood heavyweights John Travolta, Denzel Washington, John Turturro, Luis Guzmán, and James Gandolfini. This high-grossing testosterone-fest is probably the reason I passed on this movie when it opened five months ago.

Surprise! It's not bad! Like only true actors can, each of these gentlemen knows there role in the film and doesn't try to over-step it or outshine one of their counterparts; they seem to realize, like professionals, that they collectively make a whole.

The story is about a New York City subway train (Pelham 123) and it's passengers that is highjacked by an ex-convict (Travolta) and his cronies (one being Guzmán) for $10 million. The man on the other end of the line, MTA dispatcher Walter Garber (Washington), must step into the role of hostage negotiator, with the help of the real negotiator (Turturro) to maintain calm while the money is delivered.

Washington gives an outstanding and very timid performance as Garber, even when in the middle of the action holding a gun, his character seems shy and delicately confident. I love it when Travolta plays a psycho and he does not disappoint here. He knows just how much to pour on and when. The usually wisecracking Guzmán is also allowed to shine in a different more scared and pensive light. Gandolfini, as New York City's embattled subway-riding mayor, who plays the cocky politician with as much humanity mixed in to make you question whether you like him or not.

This is a true ensemble piece. It's not going to win any awards, but it's worth seeing!

Buzzy