After Walt Disney died from lung cancer in 1966 or as many conspiracy theorists claim he’s freezing inside a chamber, Disney entered The 70’s without their founding father releasing four films starting with “The Aristocats,” “Robin Hood,” “The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh” & “The Rescuers.” One of the aforementioned films I’ve selected looking back if it’s yay or nay is none other than “Robin Hood.”
Disney’s Robin Hood was released in 1973. (same year Bruce Lee’s final completed film Enter The Dragon came out) It received mixed to positive reviews from critics, families and movie goers alike. Plus, it made enough green at the box office. Overtime, Disney’s iteration of Robin Hood developed a cult following among Disney fans. Bryon Howard (Bolt, Tangled) mentioned Robin Hood as a primary influence and inspired him to make “Zootopia.”
A live action remake using the same cutting edge photo-realistic technology from Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King” is in the works streaming soon on Disney Plus. Will it be a surprise hit like Jon Favreau’s “The Jungle Book” or a flaming pile of elephant turd like the 2018 version starring Taron Egerton & Jamie Foxx? We shall see in the future.
Original animated films including “Raya And The Last Dragon,” & “Encanto” are slated to come out in 2021.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no important SPOILERS listed. I’m giving many youngsters a chance to see Disney’s version of Robin Hood. Let’s find out it still holds up as a cult classic. I won’t go into full detail on Robin Hood, because we’ve all see countless versions of Errol Flynn, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe & Daffy Duck. The latter spoofed Robin Hood in a cartoon trying to steal a bag of gold only to get hit by numerous trees. Cue his battle cry, “Yoinks and away.”
Honor & Dishonor Qualities
Honor: Voice Actors did a good job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation stills holds up creating environmental locations, character models, fluid movement etc.
Don Bluth (The Secret Of NIMH, An American Tail, Dragon’s Lair, The Land Before Time) worked as an animator before he went solo a decade later.
Chemistry between Robin Hood & Little John served as a highlight. They’re doing what they can by stealing from the rich and giving money to the poor.
Robin is a fox whose personality is an optimistic dashing rouge always cheering up the poor there’s a spark of hope.
Jokes managed to get give me a couple laughs containing visual gags, slapstick, witty dialogue and last but not least Prince John’s scenes. He definitely gets an Extra Point per laugh out loud moment. The Sheriff Of Nottingham was also funny. He’s got a legit personality as a wolf with a southern accent than Ben Mendelsohn’s portrayal from the 2018 stinker.
I also laughed at Maid Marion’s chicken friend using her combat skills as if she’s a football player.
Prince John is one of my favorite Disney villains next to Hades, (my personal favorite) Captain Hook, Jafar, Shere Khan & Judge Frollo.
Alan-A-Dale narrates the film. He’s depicted as a rooster.
Unlike Oscar Isaac’s serious portrayal in the 2010 version, Disney’s take on Prince John is depicted as a lion with a personality of a greedy spoiled manchild often sucking his thumb while throwing a hissy fit. Sounds awfully similar to a former dumb blonde president doing nothing but posting on Twitter. Trump is permanently suspended as punishment for his ignorance.
One of Robin’s disguises resembles the macot from Vlasic Pickle Jars.
Prior to the events of the movie, Robin & his love interest Maid Marian had a relationship. I buy their chemistry as realistic. About friggin’ time Disney didn’t shove any forced relationships down people’s throats.
Sir Hiss acts like that snake from “The Jungle Book.” Even Little John sounds and resembles Baloo The Bear.
Opening Credits establishes The Tone for the movie. Indicating it’s gonna be a funny lighthearted swashbuckling adventure.
Musical Numbers are pretty good. My favorite song is “The Phoney King Of England.” Little John roasting Prince John. Sounds like Prince John is not invited on Jeff Ross’ Comedy Central Roast, because he can’t take a joke.
Dishonor: I couldn’t find any flaw within this movie. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for all their hard work.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Disney’s iteration of Robin Hood remains as a cult classic among longtime Disney fans from both old and news generations. It’s one of my favorite animated Disney films. If you’re looking for something to watch with your kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, godkids or want your kid’s friends have a watch party, go give Robin Hood a try. I want Disney to include Robin Hood in a future “Kingdom Hearts” game as a playable world with the titular character & Little John helping Sora on his journey.
Although a unique take on Robin Hood, My favorite version is Ridley Scott’s 2010 iteration with Russell Crowe as the titular character. I rank Disney’s iteration as my second favorite. Which version Robin Hood is your favorite? Please please a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 