Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Writer: Larry Clemmons, Ken Anderson, Vance Gerry, Frank Thomas, Eric Cleworth, Julius Svendsen, David Michener (Story)
Starring: (Voice Talents) Roger Miller, Peter Ustinov, Terry Thomas, Brain Bedford, Monica Evans, Phil Harris, Andy Devine, Carole Shelly
Plot: The story of the legendary outlaw is portrayed with the characters as humanoid animals.
Tagline – Oo-de-Lolly Golly What a Movie!
Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Classic Disney
Story: Robin Hood starts as we head to Nottingham to meet the humanoid versions of the Robin Hood legend, Robin a fox with Little John being a bear, we see how they are trying to fight back against the Prince John a lion who uses the Sheriff of Nottingham a wolf to take the taxes from the poor leaving the country being near broke. We play into the idea of how Robin Hood fought back against this prince in a hope to bring King Richard back to his rightful place.
Thoughts on Robin Hood
Characters – Robin Hood is the legend we know in British folk law, stealing from the rich giving to the poor, a brilliant archer that finds a way to get away with any crime that comes his way and now he stands up for what everyone can’t. Little John is the trust second and partner of Robin Hood, they have excellent chemistry which helps us see there plans come together. The Sheriff of Nottingham does Prince John’s dirty work, taking the money a striking fear in the locals. Prince John continues to take the money from whoever has any to continue his reign of terror.
Story – The story plays loosely into the idea of Robin Hood, to make it family friendly of course, this is Disney. We see how the poor were treated badly by the Prince of John and being told through different animals adds to the predator that this could be considered through these characters. It is an easy to follow story, which does have a side to how serious things could get, but never offers the true peril of the situation.
Adventure/Comedy – The adventures of Robin Hood are the stuff of legends and this is nothing away from this, even if it has a comic tone to everything going on.
Settings – The film recreates the Nottingham setting for the Robin Hood era well to show the divide between the castle of the Prince and the homes of the poor.
Animation – Disney were the top dogs for animation and this never looks like it misses any beats with how the look of the film looks.
Scene of the Movie – Archer tournament.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It is too loose with the legend.
Final Thoughts – This is Disney doing their magic in the 70s without a doubt, a fun and enjoyable movie throughout.
Overall: Fun family enjoyment.
Rating
