STORYLINE: Based on the true story of the uprising that inspired the legend of Robin Hood, Andrew Garfield stars as the leader of a rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II in a fight for justice. (IMDb)

     The rebellion and the empire first did battle, on screen, in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977).   Kirk Douglas led the slave rebellion, against Rome, in Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 epic Spartacus.  Cillian Murphy was part of the Irish rebellion against e British in The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006).  The true story, of the rebellion that inspired the Robin Hoof legend, has made its way into theaters now, with the film The Uprising.

    Tales of Robin Hood have been told in many cinematic forms throughout history.  There have been fun adventurous features, films for the whole faniily, and darker tales told.  An origin story, like that told in The Uprising, is an inevitable origin story, to bring to theaters.

     The Uprising portrays the events that made the character the legend he became, a side effect of circumstances.  He happened to be on the right place, at the right moment in history to become the legend og folklore.  How much of this is true? I am not familiar enough with the origin story to know.

    At the start of the film, the character is not romanticized. He’s just a farmer trying to get by.  Throughout the  film he finds his voice as a leader.  He has his hero moments, during the course of the film.  After all, he must evolve into the legend audiences know, by the films end.  

    The look of The Uprising is not one of playfulness, such as the Errol Flynn adaptation from the 1930s or the Disney family.  It has a gritty look to match it’s darker tone.  This is on par with The Death of Robin Hood, which was the other Robin Hood feature from this year, starting Hugh Jackman in the title role.

   The Uprising won’t go on to find awards success this winter, and understandably so.  It’s a bit loud of a movie, that is a mediocre watch.  Itd a cookie cutter origin story, similar to when the respective and uninspired MCU introduces a new character to its fold.  The difference here is I was entertained by a character I enjoy. 

    The Uprising ended up being mediocre, entertaining origin story to Robin Hood.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!