by Mark Whittington, 2007

The historical epic, first revived in the modern era by Gladiator and thought to have been killed by a series of bombs, including Kingdom of Heaven, King Arthur, and Oliver Stone’s Alexander, seems to be rising from the dead. It may be that the success of 300, which was just as creative in its cinematography as it was on its take on the Battle of Thermopylae, has had something to do with it. Or maybe there is always an appeal for swords and sandals, no matter how many bad epics have been made before.

The most interesting of these upcoming films is to be called Nottingham, to be directed by Ridley Scott, who previously directed Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. The premise of Nottingham is that the Sheriff, to be played by Russell Crowe, was a wise, virtuous, and well meaning bureaucrat trying to keep his shire safe from that rabid terrorist wolfshead, Robin Hood. Both the Sheriff and Robin are in love with Maid Marion. Prince John is still evil, however.

Read the complete article at Associated Content