Movies

Robin Hood

As the 21st Disney film, Robin Hood has a bit of an unknown reputation with some Disney fans.  Plans for this film have gone back as far as the 1930s, when Walt Disney himself had the idea of adapting a folktale called “Reynard the Fox” into a movie but was unsure of the idea; and thus, the project was shelved on and off for many years after Disney’s death.  However, a writer at Disney suggested that they adapt Robin Hood into a film but Robin Hood himself would be a fox like Reynard and the rest of the characters would be anthropomorphic animals, which means animals who are made to look like people almost.  When the film was released, it was a box office success and received positive reviews at first; but since its release, the film’s reception has become gradually mixed, possibly due to The Bronze Age getting a bad rap (so to speak).  While I watched this movie when I was younger, for years I struggled with the movie as I thought Robin Hood’s stealing was a bad thing; but I have recently revisited it and now appreciate it more than I did when I was younger.  I hope everyone loves this movie as much as I do! Whatever your thoughts I’d love to hear from you!

(Source for art/visual:  https://www.disneyclips.com/images/images/robin-hood-little-john.png)

Robin Hood (based on the myth/legend/nobody really knows for sure) is about Robin Hood, an outlaw who lives in Sherwood forest with his best friend, Little John.   Robin and Little John are outlaws because they’ve been stealing from the rich since the Sheriff of Nottingham, under the instruction of the greedy Prince John, has placed unrealistic taxes on the people of Nottingham; and to make matters worse, Prince John sent his brother, King Richard, a good and noble leader, on a quest so that Prince John can rule Nottingham! With the help of his friends, Robin Hood goes on a quest to save Nottingham once and for all. This film has some good messages like how, despite him being a cunning outlaw, Robin Hood is actually a very kind person; and while some might argue that his stealing is a bad thing, he’s actually taking back the money that Prince John stole from the people of Nottingham.  Robin risks his life several times just so Nottingham can be free.  I also think the movie has some very funny parts and fun characters and some catchy and fun music as well.  Something else I noticed about the film is that Robin Hood and Maid Marian seem to go a little bit deeper, so to speak, than other Disney couples; unlike earlier Disney movies, they’ve known each other since they were children.  However, there are some scenes that could scare younger kids (such as a scene where it looks as though a beloved character has died); and some parents may have to talk to their children about the “stealing” in the film that Robin Hood does.  So, I would caution parents of younger kids due to these things.  I feel as if, for reasons I won’t mention here, Robin Hood is the perfect movie to watch right now as the citizens of Nottingham are going through a rough time and are wondering if it will ever have an end.  Throughout the movie, I think the best message of all is the importance of giving during tough times; and it doesn’t even have to be a material item—it can just be your own time that you give.

“You know somethin’, Robin. I was just wonderin’, are we good guys or bad guys?” Little John (Robin Hood’s BFF)

12 Comments

  • Karen Vaughan

    You write like a professional! Your review made me want to watch “Robin Hood” again. I haven’t seen it in over 20 years. Great job!

    • EvangelineFiles

      Thank you for reading and commenting! I would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve watched it again! I had not seen the movie in a while as well so I saw things that I didn’t notice before. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

  • Loyal Fan

    Your knowledge and vocabulary never cease to amaze me. You are very knowledgeable.
    I too want to see the movie again. It has been a long,long time.

    • EvangelineFiles

      Thank you for reading and commenting! I would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve seen it again! I had not seen the movie in a long time as well so I saw some things I didn’t notice before. Thank you for being a loyal reader!

    • EvangelineFiles

      Thank you for reading and commenting! I’m excited to have a new reader! I hope you’ll read again when I post this week!

  • Tiger

    Really love this review, Evangeline! You touch on something so very timely and profound, on how it is often hard to really know who the “good” guys and the “bad” guys are (and the quote you chose sums that up perfectly). I too have struggled with stealing when people say they are doing it for the right reason/s; is it ever really right? Also, while I love the pics you stage yourself, this traditional one is really cool and has reminded me of how much I did love these characters “once upon a time” and still do! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts/writing!

    • EvangelineFiles

      Thank you for reading and commenting! I’m so glad that my writing resonates with you! And yes, I agree that a lot of time in movies/real life it’s hard to tell who the “good” guys and the “bad” guys are. I actually find myself drawn to these such characters as sometimes they can be more interesting then the main characters. And yes, the pic is awesome! the artist did such a great job! You should check out the website where I found it, They have a lot of cool art that I really loved!

  • Tiger

    Hi, again! Forgot to say that my favorite part of this review is probably the very end where you talk about giving and how it doesn’t have to be material things that you give to others. Your time/presence really is priceless!

  • Walinda

    I’ve always found Robin Hood to be cute. I enjoyed the background you provided. I find those fascinating. You captured my sentiments about the movie completely! Love it!

    • EvangelineFiles

      Thank you for reading and commenting! Robin Hood is a very good movie indeed! I’m glad that you enjoy it as well! I’m glad that you liked the background! The website I found it from was pretty cool. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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