Movie Review: Robin Hood
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What Parents Should Know
Parents should know that this video is mostly tame, but
contains examples of bad behavior, such as greediness,
gullibility and, in Robin's case, stealing. But it's also a
heartwarming tale of compassion for those with less than
you.
Families who watch this video may want to discuss why it was OK for Robin to steal (while reminding them that it wouldn't be OK for them to steal).
Common Sense Media Review
Walt Disney's clever reinterpretation of the
The Adventures of Robin Hood with an all-animal cast
is entertaining and skillfully animated. Children will enjoy
the melodrama and action, as well as musical interludes in a
folksong style.
Walt Disney's animated Robin Hood recounts the story of the famous outlaw and Little John, here depicted as a fox and a bear. Wild animals portray the other folkloric characters, making the story even more engaging for young children.
Robin Hood and Little John are uninhibited, mischievous pranksters that "rob the rich to feed the poor" with relish reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Tom and Huck . Dressed as female fortune tellers, they pilfer Prince John's money, jewels, hubcaps and even the royal robes off his back.
But Robin's antics are countered by his compassion for the impoverished peasants of Nottingham, who benefit from his redistribution of wealth. His romance with Marian is treated with a light hand and resembles school-age infatuation. In her armoire, Maid Marian keeps a cherished picture of Robin -- his wanted poster.
Peter Ustinov lends his vocal talent to Prince John, creating a delightfully nefarious screen villain. Prince John is the pinnacle of poor character: vain, greedy, gullible, and temperamental with a habit for thumb sucking. One young viewer laughed out loud with delight to see the infantile tyrant sulk and cry "Mommy" when foiled by his archenemy Robin.
As Disney character animation delights, folksongs add a light-hearted flair. One song, "Love," received an Oscar nomination. As an introduction to swashbuckling comic adventure, this Robin Hood is good fun all around.
Kids who like this movie may also enjoy The Sword In The Stone or, for slightly older viewers, The Black Cauldron .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
