When you stand back and look at it objectively, this movie has a lot of problems. Kevin Costner gives what is probably the worst performance of his career as Robin Hood, and besides that most of the dialogue by all the characters except Alan Rickman's sheriff of Nottingham is mediocre at best. And the movie is long with some sluggish and unnecessary scenes.
BUT, I have to say that despite all that , this is still an enjoyable way to kill two and a half hours. Alan Rickman was great when he had a role that would allow him to over act, and he does it with great abandon as the fanatical and , well, mentally ill, evil sheriff. His performance is simply what moves this film from the thumbs down into the thumbs up category . Also on the plus side id the depiction of the merry men (and woman) of Sherwood forest who get more development in the story than is usually seen in Robin Hood flicks.
Morgan Freeman is underused as Robin Hood's Moorish sidekick.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is effective as the Maid Marian.
BUT, I have to say that despite all that , this is still an enjoyable way to kill two and a half hours. Alan Rickman was great when he had a role that would allow him to over act, and he does it with great abandon as the fanatical and , well, mentally ill, evil sheriff. His performance is simply what moves this film from the thumbs down into the thumbs up category . Also on the plus side id the depiction of the merry men (and woman) of Sherwood forest who get more development in the story than is usually seen in Robin Hood flicks.
Morgan Freeman is underused as Robin Hood's Moorish sidekick.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is effective as the Maid Marian.