FUNNY, BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT NOTTINGHAM IS LIKE: "ROBIN HOOD" TEASER HITS...

We're looking forward to this one.

Last seen poncing around in Kevin Mcdonald's journo thriller State of Play, Russell Crowe finally gets an opportunity to air out his husky action persona as he dons tights (maybe) and Lincoln green (perhaps) for fully certified Legend of Cinema Ridley Scott (that's Sir Ridley Scott to you) in an all-new, mega-gritty, ultra-muddy, rough and ready retelling of the classic tale.

With Cate Blanchett on board as Maid Marion, and Matthew McFadyen making a big blockbuster sized breakthrough as a suitably nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham, Scott's take on the Robin Hood legend promises hard-hitting action, a rousing story of an empire ripped apart, and the whole thing looks like it will be dripping in romance...

Now, forgive us for being presumptuous, but this all sounds a bit Gladiator to us, which is hunky dory as far we're concerned. After all, the last time Crowe and Scott hooked up, it was for the dull spy drama Body of Lies, and before that the dead-on-arrival turkey of A Good Year. The question is, can Robin Hood rescue their rep and ressurrect the historical action epic a second time? We say yay.

5 reasons why Robin Hood will be awesome...

1. It's an amazing story...one of the best ever, in fact, and frankly, it's theirs to fuck up.

2. Russell Crowe looks like he's channelling a bit of the old Maximus Decimus which is a VERY GOOD THING INDEED. Brood, Crowe, broooooood!

3. It looks jam-packed with exciting medieval bow 'n' arrows goodness, and the violence levels look promising - could this be the most bloodthirsty Robin Hood yet?

4. It's not all about Crowe and Cate - look at that supporting cast! Mark Strong! Danny Huston! William Hurt! Max Von bloody Sydow!

5. C'mon, it's Ridley Scott, and Ridley Scott is amazing. (Just don't mention Matchstick Men. Or GI Jane. Or White Squall. Or A Good Year. Okay, Ridley Scott is MOSTLY amazing...)

Arrows will fly May 2010.

In the meantime....