‘Robin Hood’ shoots wide of the mark

This disastrous new “Robin Hood,” from director Otto Bathurst (“Peaky Blinders”), was apparently conceived as a graphic novel or a bigscreen computer game. It’s the only explanation I have for the film’s complete and utter ridiculousness.

The 13th/14th century action begins when Robin “Rob” of Locksley (a charmless Taron Egerton) falls madly in love with Marian (Eve Hewson), whom he catches trying to steal a horse. Following a ludicrous makeout montage, Rob is drafted into the Third Crusade, where he barely survives a battle with Moors using a crossbow version of a machine gun and bonds with a fierce Muslim fighter, whose name “translates” as John (Jamie Foxx) and who stows away on an English ship for three months shortly after losing a hand in battle.

Rob discovers upon his return after four years that Locksley manor has been ransacked and his possessions confiscated for “the war effort.” Worst of all, Marian, after Rob is declared dead by the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Aussie Ben Mendelsohn), has taken up with Will Scarlet (Jamie Dornan), depicted as a budding politician trying to save the “commoners” from enslavement.

Friar Tuck (Tim Minchin), once again provides comic relief. Marian, who is a gifted fighter and leader in other versions of this story, merely gazes worshipfully at dull Rob here. Foxx is tiresome. Egerton tries for a balance of humor, athleticism and charisma and fails.