Travis Simpkins

Robin Hood (2010): Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett

Directed by Ridley Scott, Robin Hood (2010) takes a much grittier look at the the legend of the Medieval Folk Hero. Filled with violence and action, all the familiar characters are here: Robin Hood, Lady Marian, Little John, Will Scarlett, Sheriff of Nottingham, Friar Tuck, Prince John, etc. The CGI effects and battle sequences are stunning, and the attention to Medieval period detail is impeccable. The cast is great, including Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, Lea Seydoux, Oscar Isaac, Mark Strong, Mark Addy and William Hurt.

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: King Richard

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010: Max von Sydow

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Lea Seydoux

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010: Lea Seydoux

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010: Lea Seydoux

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Cate Blanchett

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe

Robin Hood. 2010: Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett

Robin Hood. 2010: Cate Blanchett

Robin Hood. 2010: Lea Seydoux

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939): Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln

Directed by John Ford, Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) is a partly fictionalized portrayal of the early life and law practice of President Abraham Lincoln. The story is very loosely based on the 1858 murder case involving William "Duff" Armstrong, who was defended by Abraham Lincoln during his trial at the courthouse in Beardstown, Illinois. The film is an enjoyable Classic. The cast does a good job all around, including Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln, Alice Brady, Marjorie Weaver and Arleen Whelan.

Young Mr. Lincoln. 1939: Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln

Young Mr. Lincoln. 1939: Abraham Lincoln

Young Mr. Lincoln. 1939: Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln

The Raven (2012): John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe

Directed by James McTeigue, and written by Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare, The Raven (2012) is a far-fetched and enjoyable murder mystery. The story centers on 19th Century author Edgar Allan Poe, who finds himself part of a police hunt for a serial killer that is using Poe's own dark stories as inspiration for gruesome murder. Referenced Poe tales include The Pit and the Pendulum, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Tell-Tale Heart, A Cask of Amontillado and The Masque of the Red Death. The dimly-lit cinematography adds to the eery feel. John Cusack delivers a good performance as Edgar Allan Poe. The supporting cast is fine as well, including Brendan Gleeson, Alice Eve and Luke Evans.