New on DVD: ‘Robin Hood’ steals from past works to create rich film | Bradenton Herald

A new take on Robin Hood tops DVD releases for Feb. 19.

"Robin Hood"; 3 stars: Director Otto Bathurst ("Black Mirror") opted to make his "Robin Hood" a production that embraces all the common elements of the story of Robin of Loxley (Taron Egerton), Marian (Eve Hewson) and all the supporting players including the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Ben Mendelsohn), but presents them with a modern touch. Bathurst's approach is to present a story set in the Middle Ages where elements from firefights to wardrobe appeal to a modern audience.

Casting Egerton to play Robin was a smart move. He has the kind of boyish charms Tom Cruise shows off in his action movies, and he's created a foundation with his work in the "Kingsman" franchise.

If your idea of a Robin Hood story is a group of Merry Men hanging around in Sherwood Forest waiting for an opportunity to enter an archery contest, this will leave you heading to the little john. Looking at the work as a mashup of a traditional story with a contemporary approach makes for mindless fun.

ALSO NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY FEB. 19

"A Star Is Born": Lady Gaga stars in this latest version of the story of fame and falling in love.

"Sgt. Will Gardner": Iraq War veteran's (Max Martini) journey of recovery is sidelined by his battle with PTSD.

"Overlord": Team of American paratroopers comes face to face with Nazi super-soldiers.

"American Masters: Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me": First major film documentary to examine the performer's vast career.

"NOVA: Operation Bridge Rescue": Bridge built in 1855 is repaired after being destroyed by a hurricane.

"The Return of the Vampire": Bela Lugosi stars in the 1943 about a vampire revived during a London Blitz.

"The Last Race": Documentary on a small-town stock car racetrack and the drivers that race there.

"Can You Ever Forgive Me?": Author's realization she's no longer popular leads to lies, deceit and criminal actions to get back on top. Melissa McCarthy stars.

"Backtrace": Lone surviving thief of an armored-car robbery is sprung from prison and administered an experimental drug. Sylvester Stallone stars.

"Narcissister Organ Player": Documentary examines one of the contemporary art world's most acclaimed mixed-media and performance artists.

"Backbeat": The 1994 film about fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe is being rereleased.

"Rise of the Footsoldier III: The Final Chapter": Craig Fairbrass returns as gangster Pat Tate in the conclusion of the "Footsoldier" trilogy.

"Iceman: The Time Traveler": Ming Dynasty palace guard who was frozen is brought back to life in the present.

BEING RELEASED ON DIGITAL HD FEB. 19

"Green Book": Two men from different worlds form an unexpected friendship. Available on DVD and Blu-ray March 12.

"Ben Is Back": Mom (Julia Roberts) must deal with her son who comes home from rehab for the holidays. On DVD and Blu-Ray March 5.

"Instant Family": Couple (Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne) face the world of foster care adoption when they decide to start a family. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray March 5.

"The Possession of Hannah Grace": Cop (Shay Mitchell) faces a series of bizarre, violent events in a hospital morgue. Available on DVD and Blu-ray Feb. 26.