Review of Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) by Chris T — 28 Feb 2010

Robin Hood: Men In Tights is Mel Brooks' foray into lampooning life in the Middle Ages, specifically the tale of Robin Hood, the bandit who steals from the rich and gives to the poor.

In this movie, Robin Hood seeks to reclaim his family's land after he returns from fighting in the Crusades. On his journey he meets up with Blinkin, his family's blind servant, Ahchoo, played by a young Dave Chappelle, Little John, and his friend William Scarlet O'Hara. They must come against Prince John, who has ascended to the throne in King Richard's absence in fighting in the Crusades, and the sheriff of Rottingham, Mervyn.

So that's the plot, but what would a comedy be without jokes? There are plenty of jokes and visual gags in this film, ranging from Prince John's mole appearing in different places on his face throughout the film to Robin's Patriot arrow (not a missile) flying through a crowd, causing them all to stand up, a group at a time, effectively inventing "the wave," which is popular at sporting events. The same crowd also did the Atlanta Braves' tomahawk chop chant, in order to cheer for Robin.

While there are quite a few jokes, a good bunch of them were only mildly funny, or made me groan rather than laugh. Granted, some bad puns can be good, but this film is chock-full of them.

As a comedy, it's simply OK, and as a film with a developed plot, it's decent as well. It's not the funniest comedy I've seen, nor is it the best Mel Brooks movie I've seen. Feel free to pass this one up for another of his, or if you have to see a Middle Ages themed comedy, go with Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

But if you absolutely must see this film, I won't stop you. But then again, maybe I couldn't even if I tried, as I fail to wear tights, like a true man should.