Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Last of Robin Hood'

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(KCBS)— KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "The Last of Robin Hood"— the story of the final days of famed actor and Lothario Errol Flynn (Kevin Kline). From DeNiro to Streep, we all have stars who've made us love the movies. From an early age, Errol Flynn was special to me, even on the small screen.

Flynn's own offscreen, wicked ways matched his onscreen charisma and sexy charm, until he was destroyed. This is the story of his last years, involved with a teen girl and her ambitious mother.

The acting is terrific. Everyone is perfectly cast. Kevin Kline downplays Flynn, but gives us his superstar past as well as his flameout. The filmmakers did an excellent job not demonizing Flynn and add compassion as he fights for the James Mason role in Lolita and tries to rejuvenate his once-sparkling career.

Susan Sarandon as an enabling mother brings depth to ambition. Dakota Fanning is a bit reserved, but I have a feeling that's how her character was to survive Flynn. At the end we see the real people, reminding us that this fine film tells a story of decadence and despair while letting us visit once again the amazing Mr. Flynn.

Movies To See Right Now: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Too Much Too Soon, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The Prince and the Pauper & Forsyte Saga

Home Viewing/DVD: Draft Day, Words and Pictures, The German Doctor, The Fault In Our Stars & The Ultimate Stanley Kubrick Collection